Rookie Scouting Profile: Zach Charbonnet

FullTime Fantasy Rookie Scouting Profile: Zach Charbonnet (RB)

Zach Charbonnet (RB) UCLA

Height	Weight	40-Time	DOB	NFL Draft	Dynasty ADP	NFL Comp
6-0	214	4.53	01/08/2001	Day 2	1.06	James Conner

College Production

Originally enrolled at Michigan after a stand-out career at Oaks Christian in Westlake Village, California. Charbonnet was named the Wolverines’ Offensive Rookie of the Year and was honorable-mention All Big-Ten after rushing for 726 yards and 11 scores as a freshman in 2019. Playing time dropped off significantly in 2020 behind Hassan Haskins, so Charbonnet transferred to UCLA. In his first season (2021) with the Bruins, Charbonnet racked up 226 touches and produced 1,334 scrimmage yards and 13 TDs en route to second-team All-Pac-12 honors. Followed that up with an even better senior campaign. Was promoted to all-conference first-team after leading the team with 1,359 rushing yards and snagging 37 passes in only 10 games in 2022.

Strengths

• Physical, inside runner who can move piles and is extremely underrated as a pass-catcher. Averaged 4.15 yards after contact per attempt and also boasted a top-10 PFF receiving grade.

• Solid power back with plus ball security and short-yardage potential.

• Performed well in Indianapolis, posting a 4.53 40 (70th percentile), 101.6 Speed Score (72nd), and 123.9 Burst Score (76th).

• Good vision and decision-making.

• High character and football IQ.

• 91.5 overall PFF grade ranked fourth among all FBS running backs in 2022

Areas for Improvement

• Has the size and willingness to develop in pass protection but needs a lot of work in that area to stay on the field in third-down passing situations.

• Footwork can slip in traffic, which leads to hesitancy and could lead to too many stuffs in the A gap.

• Does not offer superior speed when changing direction or coming out of cuts.

• Lack of elusiveness and escapability.

Fantasy Outlook

It’s easy to see why Zach Charbonnet has been a favorite of the fantasy and scouting community for a while. He has ideal size and the potential to develop into a three-down option. He reminds me of James Conner, but others see a A.J. Dillon comps as a sizable back that can also catch well.

It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Charbonnet be the second back selected in 2022 as early as Round Two. If he slips into Round 3, his current 1.06 rookie ADP could slide. Depending on the landing spot, Charbonnet could be a solid redraft value as an RB4.