Bills’ James Cook vs. Zach Charbonnet as 2nd-Round RBs in NFL Draft?

The Buffalo Bills had a top-30 visit with UCLA running back Zach Charbonnet ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday.

With the 2023 NFL Draft beginning on Thursday, the Buffalo Bills are in for a big weekend ahead. Their hope is that they can add some of the few missing pieces to get over the hump in the playoffs.

One of said missing pieces is an elite running back. The Bills haven't had a star in the backfield since Josh Allen became the team's starting quarterback, and he has had to shoulder much of the running game. Additionally, Devin Singletary, the Bills' leading rusher each season since 2019, left to sign with the Houston Texans in free agency. With Damien Harris, James Cook and Nyheim Hines currently making up the running back room, the Bills might look for an upgrade in the draft.

If recent reports are true, Buffalo may have found its target at the position. According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Bills hosted UCLA running back Zach Charbonnet on a top-30 visit during the pre-draft process. 

UCLA RB Zach Charbonnet wrapped up his visits with the #Bucs today, per source.

Charbonnet also had "30" visits with the #Cowboys, #Chargers, #Bills, #Bears and #Raiders and worked out privately for the #49ers. One of the draft's top backs.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 19, 2023

Charbonnet isn't the first running back the Bills have talked to throughout the pre-draft process. They also reportedly had a visit with TCU's K'endre Miller and a private workout with Tulane's Tyjae Spears. That said, Charbonnet is the highest-rated prospect of the three, likely being a Day 2 pick.

Charbonnet began his college career at Michigan, rushing 149 times for 726 yards and 11 touchdowns as a freshman in 2019. He didn't see the field much in 2020, though, and decided to transfer to UCLA. The California-native instantly gelled with the Bruins, rushing 202 times for 1,137 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2021. He then followed it up with 195 carries for 1,359 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2022, earning second-team All-America honors.

Scouts have praised Charbonnet's ball security, ability to break tackles and overall physical playing style. On the other hand, some scouts have noted his trouble on inside running plays and relatively subpar quickness. However, his college production shows just how effective he can be at his best. 

If the Bills do decide to pick up Charbonnet, he could add another dimension to their already strong offense. … which presently includes Cook, who as it happens was a second-round pick a year ago.

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You can follow Jonathan Alfano on Twitter at @JonAlfano_News

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