UCLA running back Zach Charbonnet might not be in the same tier as Bijan Robinson, but he should be one of the first running backs to find a new team in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Senior is a talented three-down player that can knock over linebackers in the run game and catch a few passes out of the backfield. Most years, he’d probably be a lock for the second round, but due to the extreme amount of talent at the position combined with the relative unimportance of his position, he will likely go off the board at the end of the second round or early in the third. So, with that in mind, which teams are most likely to select him?
#24 Zach Charbonnet – WOW pic.twitter.com/8mc6z3wB0D
— FIRST ROUND MOCK (@firstroundmock) April 14, 2023
Top 6 Teams That Could Draft Zach Charbonnet
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are strict believers in positional value, which is why they really haven’t done anything to replace the departed Miles Sanders. With the former second-round pick in Carolina, the reigning NFC Champions currently have the perennially-injured Rashaad Penny atop the depth chart. Penny is a solid player when healthy, and Kenneth Gainwell is a reliable backup, but this team needs to find their running back of the future in the 2023 NFL Draft. Zach Charbonnet is a perfect fit for this team, as he has the tools to develop into a three-down player. He could start off as part of a rotation, but his physical running style would pair perfectly with the recently-extended Jalen Hurts. With defenses focusing on stopping the pass, there is a real chance Charbonnet could average over five yards per carry as a rookie.
Miami Dolphins
Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson are adequate veterans that can hold down the fort, but neither player is the future of the position. This team needs to find their next franchise running back, and that player could be Zach Charbonnet. Defenses are naturally going to play with lighter, faster players in an attempt to slow down the elite receiver duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, which means that certain members of the opposing defense might not have the strength to bring down the 6′-1″, 220-pound force of nature that is Zach Charbonnet with a head of steam. Given Tua Tagovailoa’s extensive injury history, Miami would be wise to try to improve their running game and limit the hits their quarterback has to take.
Kansas City Chiefs
Last offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs signed Ronald Jones in an attempt to add more physicality to the running back position. While that move didn’t pay off, it’s safe to assume the Chiefs still want to their backfield to pack more of a punch in 2023. Isiah Pacheco played well down the stretch, but Charbonnet is a vastly superior talent, both as a runner and a receiver. Charbonnet would be the first three-down back in Kansas City since Kareem Hunt, and he should be able to be a 1,000-yard player as early as his rookie year.
Los Angeles Chargers
Austin Ekeler wants a new contract, and even if he returns to the Los Angeles Chargers, it’s safe to say that he probably won’t be back in 2024. In the short-term, Charbonnet and Ekeler could combine to form one of the best running back duos in football, as their styles complement each other perfectly. After a year of adjusting to life in the NFL, Zach Charbonnet could take over as the primary starter in 2024 and play a key role in what should be one of the most dangerous teams in football.
Baltimore Ravens
J.K. Dobbins had a remarkable rookie season, but two consecutive years of injuries have made him a massive risk heading into 2023. Perhaps he can find his old form, but the Ravens need an insurance policy in case the former second-round pick never recaptures what made him so special. If Dobbins does play like his rookie self, then the run-heavy Ravens will have two great backs capable of making plays on all three downs. However, if Dobbins isn’t up for the task, then the Ravens will finally have a reliable insurance policy and won’t have to turn to a washed-up Kenyan Drake for the second straight year.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints need to get younger at running back. Alvin Kamara is entering his age-28 season and will likely serve a suspension, and Jamaal Williams isn’t exactly a spring chicken either. Zach Charbonnet wouldn’t have to make an immediate impact for this team, but he could be the eventual heir to Alvin Kamara. If he lands with the Saints, look for him to spend most of his rookie year in a rotation before earning the starting job in 2024.
