Zach Charbonnet named good fit for Cincinnati Bengals by Joel Klatt

With the 2023 NFL Draft less than a month away, college football expert Joel Klatt reveals his thoughts on where some of the top talent in this year’s draft fits in the NFL. On a recent episode of his podcast, Klatt outlines the perfect landing spot for former UCLA running back Zach Charbonnet.

“Zach Charbonnet 60 to the Cincinnati Bengals. This is a team that needs a running back, with Samaje Perine letting him go,” said Klatt. “And you look at what they do offensively; and Joe Burrow is going to be there, that receiver is going to be there, and they need kind of a backup running back.

“Well, you don’t need one of the starters, but Zach Charbonnet is a guy that could easily replace what Smaaje Perine was able to give you on that offensive side. Remember, this guy is also very versatile. But he’s a little bit bigger; he’s a little bit more sturdy. I think that he’s really good in pass protection as well, which is an area where Samaje Perine had to be good because he was better than Joe Mixon in that area. So he can step in and be and play that role.”

Charbonnet is a former-five star recruit and started his college career in Ann Arbor, MI, with the Wolverines. At Michigan, he amassed 850 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 168 carries. But, health concerns with his younger encouraged Charbonnet to head to UCLA. With the Bruins, he would rush for 2,496 yards and 27 touchdowns on 398 carries over two seasons.

Klatts is a fan of Charbonnet off the field too

Klatt also sees him as an ideal culture fit for the Bengals. His character, demeanor, and love for his family set him above others and make him a guy you want in your locker room, according to Klatt:

“This makes a lot of sense. If you spend any time around Zach Charbonnet, you know that he is just a wonderful kid. He’s got a great family, a great with his sister. He transferred from Michigan back to UCLA closer to his home in part to be closer to her and be closer to their family. And this dude is wise beyond his years. And this is the type of player that could be inserted into a locker room and play a role for a team that’s clearly gonna be thinking they can make pushes into the playoffs, potentially into the Super Bowl soon. He fits exactly what they need.”

The 2023 NFL Draft is set to take place from Thursday, April 27, through Saturday, April 29, in Kansas City, Missouri. The event will be held at the plaza just outside of Union Station. Charbonnet and the Bengals sound like a match made in heaven for Cincinnati. But given the case Klatt made for the former Bruin, he might not be around for Cincinnati by the time the third round rolls around.