Saints Draft Prospect: Zach Charbonnet

A closer look at a player who might not be flashy, but is one of the most complete backs in the 2023 NFL Draft.

The New Orleans Saints have one of the NFL's most dangerous offensive weapons in RB Alvin Kamara. After only six seasons, Kamara is third place on the Saints all-time rushing list with 5,135 yards on the ground and tied with Marques Colston as the franchise's all-time leader with 72 total touchdowns. 

Kamara is also the team’s all-time leader in receptions (430) and receiving yards (3,753) by a running back. However, after averaging over 81 catches in his first four years, Kamara has just 104 receptions in the last two seasons. 

Poor play-calling is part of the reason for the significant drop in receiving production. New Orleans has also not had a legitimate backfield threat to complement Kamara outside of the versatile Taysom Hill.

The Saints rectified some of that problem this offseason by signing free agent RB Jamaal Williams. The 28-year-old Williams is coming off a career-best 1,066 rushing yards and league-high 17 touchdowns. 

Kamara and Williams should form a dynamic 1-2 backfield combo. However, remember that Kamara is also facing at least a six-game league suspension because of legal issues. Expect the Saints to add another back through the draft. This year’s draft class looks deep in running back talent, with today's draft profile near the top of the list.

RB - Zach Charbonnet 

UCLA (Sr.)

6'0" 214-Lbs. 

Nov 12, 2022; UCLA Bruins running back Zach Charbonnet (24) carries the ball against the Arizona Wildcats. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY

As a freshman in 2019, Charbonnet ran for a team-high 726 yards and 11 touchdowns with the Michigan Wolverines. He was used less in 2020 (124 rushing yards in five games) and elected to transfer to UCLA after the season for family reasons. 

Charbonnet rushed for 2,496 yards and 27 touchdowns with the Bruins in 2021 and 2022. He led the PAC-12 with 1,359 last season on his way to 2nd Team All-American accolades. Among participating backs at the NFL Scouting Combine, he ranked 10th in the 40 (4.54), fifth in the 10-yard split (1.54), fourth in the vertical jump (37'), and sixth in the broad jump (10'4").

Charbonnet has an upright running style that allows a bigger target for defenders. This is compounded by the fact that he can be a little indecisive on off-tackle runs and doesn't have elite foot quickness for added elusiveness. 

Despite above average athleticism, Charbonnet hasn't been a big threat in the open field. He's a long-strider that has been slow to accelerate after more than one cut. He improved greatly as a receiver, but was at times a liability when asked to pick up a blitzer in pass protection. 

Nov 19, 2022; UCLA Bruins running back Zach Charbonnet (24) runs the ball against the USC Trojans. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Charbonnet is a physical downhill runner that powers through contact and keeps his legs churning after the first hit. He was a productive workhorse in college that got stronger as games wore on. While he has the speed to get outside, he's most effective between the tackles. 

Once in the open field, Charbonnet has the strength to roll through defensive backs and the stride/speed combination to pull away for big plays. His improvement as a receiver allowed him to even line up wide for UCLA and makes him a weapon on screens and check-down passes. 

Charbonnet has solid ability to read defenses, but is a devastating north-south runner that can be effective against any scheme if he's decisive. His stature will allow him to withstand the pounding of a lot of touches as a power runner. 

Charbonnet is one of the most complete backs in the draft and is capable of a high volume of touches. He improved dramatically over his collegiate career, but still has a big upside. 

November 25, 2022; UCLA Bruins running back Zach Charbonnet (24) runs against California Golden Bears safety Craig Woodson (2) and defensive end Nate Burrell (98). Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Zach Charbonnet isn't the flashiest back in the draft. However, he has the traits of a number one option for an offense that can be a factor on every down with improved pass protection. Early in his career, he'll be a change-of-pace back and a short yardage option, but he has the traits to develop into a team's feature back.

Charbonnet is almost certain to be selected with a Day 2 pick. His ability to be a productive inside runner would be a valuable trait for the Saints, allowing them to use Kamara more often in open space.