Category: Fantasy Football Rookie Analysis

2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: TE Dalton Kincaid, Utah

Dalton Kincaid brings elite receiver skills to the tight end position

Dalton Kincaid only played one year of high school football since he focused on basketball. He became a walk-on with the University of San Diego for two years before transferring to Utah where he only had one catch in 2020 during their COVID-shortened season. He became one of two starters in 2021, logging 36 catches on a team that didn’t throw much.

Last season, Kincaid evolved into their primary receiver. He ended with a team-high 70 catches and eight scores to lead the receivers. He caught 16 passes for 234 yards and a score against the Trojans during the season, though he was later held to only four receptions in the otherwise high-scoring Pac 12 Conference Championship against USC.

Height: 6-4
Weight: 246 pounds
40 time: 4.71 seconds

Kincaid was All-Pac 12 last year and his pinnacle season in college has him in the running to become one of the first tight ends drafted – if not the first. He brings a resume that’s more impressive as a receiver than as a blocker. He’s a 23-year-old fifth-year season who never scored fewer than eight touchdowns in any season he started.

Table: Player NCAA stats (2020-22)

Year School Games Catch Yards Avg. TD Rush Yards TD
2018 San Diego 12 24 374 15.6 11 0 0 0
2019 San Diego 12 44 835 19.0 8 0 0 0
2020 Utah 1 1 14 14.0 0 0 0 0
2021 Utah 13 36 510 14.2 8 1 4 0
2022 Utah 12 70 890 12.7 8 0 0 0

Pros

  • Prototypical size and speed for a receiving tight end
  • Enough speed for vertical routes
  • Plays more like as a receiver than a tight end
  • Strong hands that catch and hold through contact
  • Elite burst for his size
  • Led the nation with 70 catches by a tight end in 2022
  • Hard to tackle by smaller defensive backs
  • No limit to the routes he can run – capable of catches in all three levels of the defense
  • Former basketball player like many elite tight ends

Cons

  • Needs improvement as a blocker on runs and passes
  • Played mostly from slot, has to adjust to physical NFL defenders at the line
  • Needs more aggression on contested catches at the next level

Fantasy Outlook

There is a chance that Kincaid becomes the first tight end drafted, which would net him a first or second-round pick. He’s an elite prospect as a receiving tight end, and his struggles at blocking mean he may not be an every-down player, at least until he proves not to be a liability.

His NFL team will take him to expand their passing game, and he is a mature player at 23 with four productive years in college. That should help speed his development and at least give him the potential to produce fantasy-relevant stats, even as a rookie. As a longer-term pick in a dynasty league, Kincaid is even more attractive.

He’ll most likely end up on one of the tight-end hungry teams of the Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers or the Los Angeles Chargers.

2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: WR Josh Downs, North Carolina

Josh Downs may lack size, but he came up big for the Tarheels the last two years.

Josh Downs signed with the North Carolina Tarheels after a stellar career at his Georgia high school. He played mainly special teams that first season but included a 75-yard touchdown catch among his seven freshman receptions. He stepped up into the No. 2 role as a sophomore while playing with Sam Howell (now trying to become the Commanders’ quarterback this year). Downs signed with the Tar Heels in part because his uncle Dre Bly was a defensive coach there at the time.

Downs took over in 2021. He set the school record with 101 catches, besting Ryan Switzer‘s high of 96 receptions in 2016. No other receiver managed more than 31 catches for the Tar Heels that year. Their offense shifted from 2020 when Javonte Williams and Michael Carter shared the backfield. All facets of the offense regressed when that duo left in 2021 – except for Downs.

Height: 5-9
Weight: 171 pounds
40 time: 4.48 seconds

Playing with sophomore quarterback Drake Maye last year saw Downs again dominate the offense with 94 catches and a second 1,000-yard effort, more than double that of any other Tar Heel receiver. Downs was a first-team All-ACC receiver for each of his two seasons as a starter. He led the conference in catches in both years.

Table: Player NCAA stats (2020-22)

Year School Games Catch Yards Avg. TD Rush Yards TD
2020 North Carolina 4 7 119 17.0 3 1 (-3) 0
2021 North Carolina 13 101 1335 13.2 8 0 0 0
2022 North Carolina 11 94 1029 10.9 11 0 0 0

Pros

  • Highly productive primary receiver the last two years
  • Tough receiver that fights for the ball and wins contested catches
  • Start/stop and change of direction make him hard to cover man-to-man
  • Effective in space and with yards after the catch
  • Explosive burst from line when he has a free release
  • Special teams returner
  • Red Zone threat despite his size

Cons

  • Small frame concerns limit him to slot work
  • Occasional drops
  • May struggle with press coverage
  • Route running needs more precision
  • Lacks a large catch radius
  • Not an asset as a blocker

Fantasy outlook

Like so many other college stars that enter the NFL well below prototypical size, Downs is almost certainly limited to playing a slot role. He’s unlikely to handle press coverage as well, but has the burst and enough speed to make a difference when he gets downfield. He overtook Ryan Switzer’s records at North Carolina and draws some comparisons to him, though Downs is still 14 pounds less than Switzer at the same height.

Downs’ best outcome is to land on a team that heavily employs a slot receiver. He is capable of producing fantasy-relevant stats, but he’ll need the right situation to be a difference-maker. Slot receivers play an important role  in NFL offenses and can surprise such as Hunter Renfrow (2021 – 103 catches) and Christian Kirk (2022 – 84 catches).

Downs will likely be drafted on Day 2 but if he falls to Round 4, he’ll be a steal. He has the skill and speed to be a factor in the NFL if he can compensate for his lack of size – only two of the 50 combine wideouts were lighter than Downs. His special team abilities could show up as a rookie and help him get onto the field. He’s likely to need a year or so in the NFL before he can become a weekly fantasy option.

2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: RB Roschon Johnson, Texas

Roschon Johnson is the “other guy” from the Texas Longhorn backfield

Roschon Johnson was a quarterback.  At his high school in Port Neches, Texas, he set the school record with a career 7,710 passing yards and added 4,900 rushing yards. He committed to Texas and was moved to running back during his freshman season when team injuries caused a need for his rushing skills. He completed only one pass as a Longhorn, but served as a rushing and receiving option in the backfield for all four years.

Johnson split carries with Keaontay Ingram during that first year and remained second-best while playing alongside Bijan Robinson. The duo split carries with Robinson (86-703-4) slightly busier than Johnson (80-418-6) during the COVID-shortened 2020 season. Robinson took a far bigger chunk for the last two years.

Johnson maintained the same sort of pace for all three seasons, typically rushing five to eight times in most matchups. When Robinson did not play in the 2021 season finale against Kansas State, Johnson rushed for 179 yards on 31 carries.

Height: 6-0
Weight: 219 pounds
40 time: 4.58 seconds

He ended with five 100-yard efforts over his 47 games for the Longhorns, but never more than one per year once Robinson showed up to dominate the workload. Johnson took advantage of his four years in Austin, graduating with a business management degree.

Table: Player NCAA stats (2019-22)

Year School Games Runs Yards Avg. TD Catch Yards TD
2019 Texas 13 123 649 5.3 7 23 158 1
2020 Texas 10 80 418 5.2 6 8 51 1
2021 Texas 12 96 569 5.9 5 11 83 0
2022 Texas 12 93 554 6.0 5 14 128 1

Pros

  • Good-sized power back that break tackles
  • Aggressive, decisive rusher that picks the right lanes
  • Tough and dependable
  • Great ball security – one fumble in four years
  • Quick feet for a big back
  • Solid pass protection and willing lead blocker
  • Special teams contributor
  • Not many miles on the odometer
  • Smart player that can learn quickly

Cons

  • Slower than most NFL backs
  • Lacks creativity
  • Minor receiving experience
  • Lacks elite burst

Fantasy outlook

Johnson is the “other guy” in the Texas backfield that was overshadowed by Bijan Robinson for the last three years, but offers plenty of skills and intangibles that will net him a role in the NFL. He’s been a selfless, coachable player that is a great team fit and it can be argued that his ceiling is unknown given the success of Robinson. He could have potentially helped his stock by transferring to a different team where he may have become their primary back.

Johnson is a big back that may lack some of the quickness to reach the corner and turn up the field. But he’s a solid addition to a backfield for short yardage, pass blocking, special teams, and inside runs.

He’ll be a Day 3 pick to a team looking to restock their backfield with solid contributors. As a very versatile utility player, he has much to offer any team. His fantasy value as a rookie is more likely to be minimal unless injuries open up opportunities, but Johnson holds future promise. He’s most likely to end up a part of a committee that can grow into fantasy-relevant production.

2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: RB Zach Evans, Mississippi

Zach Evans offers the potential to become a No. 1 back.

Zach Evans was considered one of the top running backs in 2019 after the Houston-native ran for 4,867 yards and 76 touchdowns over his final three years in high school. He originally signed a letter of intent with Georgia but then was released from that commitment and eventually became TCU’s first ever five-star recruit.

His two seasons at TCU saw success though not to the astronomic level of high school. He only ran 54 times as a freshman as a part of a four-man rotation for their backfield. In 2021, he assumed a larger role and rolled up four-straight 100-yard games before injuring his toe and missing the rest of the season after just six games.

In 2022, he transferred to Ole Miss, missing TCU’s Cinderella season, and splitting the backfield there with freshman phenom Quinshon Judkins who ran for 1,567 yards and 16 touchdowns on 274 rushes compared to Evans’ 144 runs for 936 yards. The Rebels’ backfield had platooned three average backs in 2021 when Evans decided to join them. Judkins surprised everyone, not the least Evans.

Height: 5-11
Weight: 202 pounds
40 time: 4.45 seconds

Evans’ chance to become the primary back in a promising backfield was cut short by Judkins’ monster season. Rather than spend his final year as the relief back for Judkins, Evans declared for the NFL draft. Unlike in high school, Evans never again played as the featured back in college, so his ceiling hasn’t been fully explored.

Table: Player NCAA stats (2020-22)

Year School Games Runs Yards Avg. TD Catch Yards TD
2020 TCU 9 54 415 7.7 4 8 62 0
2021 TCU 6 92 648 7.0 5 10 102 1
2022 Ole Miss 12 144 936 6.5 9 12 119 1

 

Pros

  • Smooth and natural runner
  • Has the jets to take it to the house when he breaks free
  •  Elite burst, explosive acceleration
  • Speed to get around the corner on sweeps
  • Fights for yardage, can absorb hits and keep running
  • Prototypical size for running back
  • Balance through contact a major plus
  • Sets up defenders to miss their tackle
  • Agility and power combine to reach second level and beyond
  • One of the top pure runners in this rookie class

Cons

  • Five fumbles on just 290 college carries
  • Minimal experience as a receiver
  • Lack of creativity when he runs
  • Ideally in a zone-heavy scheme
  • Pass protection needs further development

Fantasy outlook

Evans is a Day 2 prospect that should be within the first five or six running backs selected. He’s likely to be added to a team searching for rushing talent to add to a committee backfield though he has the potential to become a full-time back, even if his college resume denied him that role. He’s always been an effective rusher but will need to add more work as a receiver to become what the NFL looks for in a full-time or even a primary back.

His college experience wasn’t as great as his high school production suggested and his production was a function of the situations that he found at both of his colleges. The expectations for 2022 with the move to Ole Miss were high but he was eclipsed by the freshman Quinshon Judkins. That leaves Evans with an incomplete look at what he is capable of producing.

Evans timing has worked against him, so he’s harder to evaluate. That could mean that an NFL team gets a steal in the second or third round if he rises to what some believe his potential to be. He enters the NFL inside a deep and competitive running back class this year, so he’ll be somewhat overshadowed from the hype with Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs. That will make him a value pick in fantasy drafts.

Where he lands and the situation there always impacts any rookie, and Evans hasn’t been overly lucky with what happened around him in college. But he brings solid potential as a committee back, particularly working with one of reception-heavy backs who need help with relief carries and early down runs. His upside is still notable and while a risk, he could surprise on the right team.

2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: RB Tank Bigsby, Auburn

Tank Bigsby is an early Day 3 prospect that could surprise

Cartavious “Tank” Bigsby was a much-coveted recruit by colleges thanks to winning the Class AA Georgia Player of the Year as a junior, when he ran for 2,221 yards at Callaway High School. That led him to sign with the Auburn Tigers where he became their primary running back even as a rookie. He won the SEC Freshman of the Year and First-Team Freshman All-SEC.

He became the Tigers’ Offensive Player of the Year in 2021 when he ran for 1,099 yards and ten scores on 223 carries. He topped 100 rushing yards in five games and handled up to 29 rushes per game.

Height: 6-0
Weight: 215 pounds
40 time: 4.56 seconds

Tank Bigsby declared for the NFL draft after his junior season when he rushed slightly less but turned in a career-best 30 catches for 180 yards. He saw fewer carries per game but added up to six receptions as a more complete weapon. He brings north-south ability but developed more last year than just an inside runner crashing through the line.

Table: Player NCAA stats (2020-22)

Year School Games Runs Yards Avg. TD Catch Yards TD
2020 Auburn 10 138 834 6.0 5 11 84 0
2021 Auburn 13 223 1099 4.9 10 21 184 0
2022 Auburn 12 179 970 5.4 10 30 180 0

Pros

  • Tough inside runner with legs that don’t stop churning
  • Great balance and sharp cuts while in traffic
  • Soft hands and increased role as a receiver
  • One-cut runner that can break off long runs
  • Solid pass protector
  • Runs angry at the goal line
  • Excellent horizontal cutting for a bigger back
  • Prototypical size
  • Adequate straight-line speed to pick up chunks of yardage

Cons

  • Occasionally too patient waiting for a clear lane
  • Can leave yards on the field trying to make a bigger play instead of just taking what the defense is giving
  • Lacks elite speed – only 4.56 but ran a 4.45 at his Pro Day
  • Pass experience limited to check-downs

Fantasy outlook

Bigsby’s name should be called early on Day 3 in Round 4 or Round 5. That means he’s available to any team needing a complementary back that can potentially evolve into their primary. A common knock on him is that he’s good in every way but not quite great in any. There’s plenty of need in the NFL for a running the quality of Bigsby, and he’ll be added by a team looking for more than just backfield depth.

He’s also yet to find his ceiling, so he could develop further in the NFL and become better than he already is. He handled 30 catches last year, but they were dump-off passes and he has much to learn if he is to become a receiving back that runs actual routes.

He’s been likened to Dalvin Cook and David Montgomery. Bigsby will be snapped up on Day 3 by a team that didn’t buy an early round back but still wants someone to fill a role as a rookie. He has enough upside that he’ll be worth a later-round fantasy draft pick but it depends on where he lands and the situation there to better adjust his expectations as a rookie.

 Expect that he’ll wind up on a team searching for a solid No. 2 back to pair with their current starter. That could include the New England Patriots, Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers, or Los Angeles Chargers. 

2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: TE Luke Musgrave, Oregon State

Luke Musgrave is a Day 2 prospect that is short on receptions but long on potential

The nephew of former NFL quarterback Bill Musgrave, this Oregon State alum offers more potential and promise than proven production. Musgrave saw sparse use in his first two seasons in Corvallis, which included the COVID-shortened 2000 season. He stepped up with 22 catches as a junior and was expected to reach the next level as a senior but was lost for the season with a knee injury after two games.

Musgrave was cleared by doctors for the NFL combine where he shined after running a 4.6 40-yard dash and turning in intriguing measurables that point to his role as a receiver.

Height: 6-6
Weight: 253 pounds
40 time: 4.61 seconds

He’ll likely be a Day 2 selection, and has gone under the radar largely   because of the knee injury that robbed him of what should have been his pinnacle season at Oregon State. He started that year with eleven catches in just two games.

Table: Player NCAA stats (2019-22)

Year School Games Catch Yards Avg. TD Rush Yards TD
2019 Oregon  State 2 2 18 9.0 0 0 0 0
2020 Oregon  State 6 12 142 11.8 0 0 0 0
2021 Oregon  State 10 22 304 13.8 1 1 (-1) 0
2022 Oregon  State 2 11 169 15.4 1 0 0 0

Pros

  • Well-rounded tight end with solid blocking skills
  • Good burst gets him downfield past second-level defenders
  • Red-zone and end-zone role amped by 6-6 frame
  • Crisp route runner
  • Prototypical size for the position
  • Soft hands on a huge downfield target
  • Wins contested catches – can dominate smaller defensive backs
  • College resume impacted from playing in an average, inconsistent offense

Cons

  • Lack of demonstrated production after four seasons at Oregon State
  • Returns from a knee injury, but has been completely cleared
  • Still room to develop skills as a receiver with separation and beating physical contact by defenders
  • Needs pro-quality training and development to reach potential

Fantasy outlook

Musgrave left college with all the speed, size and measurables to become a viable starter in the NFL, but his lack of receptions after four seasons means he’s a work in progress and requires a leap of faith by his team. He came from NFL genetics and played as a wide receiver in high school. He has the skill set to be at least an adequate to good blocker, and there are plenty of reasons to expect he’ll succeed more as a receiver though it may take a season or two before he reaches his potential.

Even though he totaled just 47 catches after four years at Oregon State, Musgrave is still expected to become a Round 2 or Round 3 selection. He is still arguably a Top-5 tight end in this draft.

Musgrave is linked to potential suitors like the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins and Cincinnati Bengals. He’ll need to land in an offense that lacks a true No. 1 tight end to offer any rookie fantasy value, and at best, he’d only be a late-season streaming option. But his long-term outlook is far brighter, and he makes a prudent dynasty pick aiming at a payoff in a year or two.

2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: WR Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee

Jalin Hyatt won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s best receiver in 2022

Jalin Hyatt was wildly successful as a receiver in high school, setting the school’s all-time record with 3,624 yards and 57 touchdowns. Due to being smaller at only 153 pounds at the time, he was not courted by in-state colleges like Clemson and South Carolina and originally signed with Virginia Tech but later opted for Tennessee.

Hyatt was no better than the No. 4 receiving option for his first two seasons in college, playing behind Velus Jones Jr. and Cedric Tillman while quarterback Hendon Hooker turned in his breakout season in 2021 when he transferred to Tennessee.

The second season with Hooker wasn’t quite as productive, but Jones had left for the NFL and Hyatt took over as the primary wideout. He logged 67 catches for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns. Hyatt exploded as a receiver, leading the SEC in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. He was voted a unanimous All-American and won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s best receiver. His high point was gaining 207 yards and scoring five touchdowns in the upset win over Alabama.

Height: 6-0
Weight: 176 pounds
40 time: 4.4 seconds

After his tremendous junior season, Hyatt joined fellow Volunteer Hooker in declaring for the NFL draft where he’s expected to be a Day 2 selection.

Table: Player NCAA stats (2020-22)

Year School Games Catch Yards Avg. TD Rush Yards TD
2020 Tennessee 8 20 276 13.8 2 1 3 0
2021 Tennessee 9 21 226 10.8 2 1 10 0
2022 Tennessee 12 67 1267 18.9 15 1 0 0

Pros

  • Hits top speed quickly and maintains separation
  • Elite vertical route skills
  • Soft and reliable hands
  • Elusive and explosive in the open field
  • Capable run blocker despite frame size
  • Game changer that secondary must account for every play
  • Takes the top off defenses and stretches the field
  • Excelled as a slot receiver that avoided jams

Cons

  • Route tree was limited at Tennessee
  • Slim build will be challenged by press coverage
  • Only one year of notable production
  • Will need to transition from the spread offense to a pro style

Fantasy outlook

Hyatt was unstoppable at times last year, but that was playing in a spread offense, unlike what he’ll have in the NFL. There’s no doubt that his talent will create value for his team and fantasy football. But his role will change from college where the Vols schemed to get him open by getting him free releases as the primary receiver in the slot. His slim build will be a bigger issue in the pros, and he projects to be a No. 2 receiver for his team by taking the top off the defense and giving the primary wideout more room to operate.

The rookie can still provide fantasy-relevant stats by himself, though he’s limited by being yet another wideout that needs to play in the slot. If he lands in a pass-oriented offense with a top-tier quarterback and another wideout that will draw attention, Hyatt can become an every-week factor and not just a long-ball phenomenon. His rookie season is likely to be a re-adjustment to how he played last year, fitting into a new style of offense that asks him to run a larger route tree.

Hyatt plays very fast, and speed always fares well in the NFL. Since he’s expected to be a Day 2 prospect, any team can reach him. He’ll be even more interesting if he lands with the Chargers, Vikings, Chiefs, or Seahawks, where he can step into a productive No. 2 wideout role even as a rookie.

2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: WR Quentin Johnston, TCU

Johnston helped propel TCU into the national title game as their best weapon in the passing offense

Quentin Johnston will attract great interest in the NFL draft and is in the conversation to be the first wideout selected and certainly among the first five taken. The TCU star played as a freshman with 22 catches during the COVID-shortened season. By his junior season, Johnston led the Horned Frog receivers in their championship season with his 60 catches for 1069 yards and he logged 163 yards on six catches in the college playoff game against Michigan. TCU would finish No. 2 in the country after a painful loss in the national title game when Georgia was able to shut down Johnston.

Johnston was a Biletnikoff semifinalist and First-Team All-Big 12 last season.  He’s built like a possession receiver but excelled at the long ball in college. He set the Big 12 Conference all-time freshman record with 22.1 yards per catch. Even as a junior and the primary focus of every opposing secondary, Johnston still turned in almost 18 yards per catch.

Height: 6-3
Weight: 210 pounds
40 time: 4.49 seconds

He elected to forgo his senior season and declare for the NFL draft where he’ll be a hot commodity and carry starting expectations even as a rookie. He’s the tallest of the top tier wideouts from the NFL combine at 6-3. This year presents a class of speedy and yet smaller players at the top of the position, but Johnston offers a big presence all over the field.

Table: Player NCAA stats (2020-22)

Year School Games Catch Yards Avg. TD Rush Yards TD
2020 TCU 8 22 487 22.1 2 3 3 2
2021 TCU 8 33 634 19.2 6 2 12 0
2022 TCU 14 60 1069 17.8 6 3 (-7) 0

 

Pros

  • Exacting route runner that can alter speed to gain separation
  • Has the height and hands to win 50/50 balls
  • Sticky hands that snatch the ball out of the air
  • Adjusts route speed on deep balls as needed
  • Outstanding catch-and-run ability tacks on extra yardage
  • Arguably the most complete wideout in this class
  • Offers the skills and potential to become an elite No. 1 wideout for his team
  • Can win matchups at all three levels
  • Expansive catch radius

Cons

  • Needs to further expand his route tree
  • Needs to develop his blocking skills
  • Committed the occasional concentration drop
  • Less formidable on  underneath routes
  • Stat totals greatly impacted by four monster performances

Fantasy outlook

Johnston was the difference-maker for quarterback Max Duggan and the surprising TCU squad this year. He’s the prototypical height and weight for a difference-making possession receiver for an NFL team with the presence to pick up third downs over the middle and yet plenty of skills to continue his penchant for catching the long ball or turning shorter catches into longer runs.

He is accomplished, but more importantly, can continue to grow and improve. While the Horned Frogs passing improved last year, Johnston can benefit greatly by being paired with any of the better quarterbacks in the NFL. He’ll contribute as a rookie, but he has the potential to grow into an elite wideout. With just 115 catches in college, Johnston is nowhere near done with his development.

Johnston has been likened to Julio Jones and A.J. Green, who share the same frame size. But he enters the NFL with far fewer receptions than either of them. He could be a pick by the Bills or Chiefs which would obviously escalate his expectations. The Texans, Packers, Ravens, and Giants are also likely to be considering him. Johnston may need a year or two to hit his stride in the NFL, but he carries the serious potential to become a top receiver.

2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: RB Zach Charbonnet, UCLA

Zack Charbonnet deserves a three-down role in the NFL

Zack Charbonnet racked up 4,471 yards and 62 touchdowns at his California high school and was among the top-rated running backs as a senior. He had already signed with Michigan prior to his senior season when he had just posted 2,049 rushing yards and 23 during his junior season.

He needed knee surgery prior to his freshman season and missed practice time until late summer. Charbonnet was still the primary back that year while sharing with Hassan Haskins. He set the Michigan freshman record with 11 rushing touchdowns. In the COVID-shortened 2020 season, Michigan only played six games and Charbonnet was limited to only 19 carries while Haskins saw the bigger workload. That led Charbonnet to enter the transfer portal and end up in UCLA as a Junior.

Charbonnet became the workhorse back he should have always been, leading the Bruins for the next two seasons.  He returned for his outstanding senior season when he rolled up 1,680 total yards and 14 touchdowns. Charbonnet was a First Team All-American and a semifinalist for the Doak Walker and Walter Camp awards. He ranked No. 15 in the nation in rushing yards despite missing two games.

Height: 6-0
Weight: 220 pounds
40 time: 4.53 seconds

He will be one of the first running backs drafted and in the Top-5 if not the Top-3. Charbonnet offers all the measurables and skill set that historically pointed at an NFL workhorse though current offensive systems are less likely to rely so heavily on an individual running back. He’ll still attract plenty of fantasy attention.

Table: Player NCAA stats (2019-22)

Year School Games Runs Yards Avg. TD Catch Yards TD
2019 Michigan 13 149 726 4.9 11 8 30 0
2020 Michigan 5 19 124 6.5 1 6 41 0
2021 UCLA 12 203 1137 5.6 13 24 197 0
2022 UCLA 10 195 1359 7.0 14 37 321 0

 

Pros

  • Prototypical North -South power back, determined runner with no wasted motion
  • Runs downhill – gains speed and velocity as he runs
  • Only three fumbles on 641 college touches over four years
  • Solid pass protection blocking
  • Patient when following blocks
  • Outstanding in short yardage, keeps his legs churning
  • Strong lower body breaks tackles
  • Smart player with high football intelligence
  • Popular in the locker room, good character
  • Maintains balance through contact
  • Solid vision yields best path in traffic

Cons

  • Not quick in initial cuts
  • Average receiver that had some drops
  • Fast but not elite speed
  •  Relies more on power than elusive moves

Fantasy outlook

Charbonnet is a mature, four-year running back that projects as a starter in the NFL. He’s a bit more of a throwback to the power rushing style of the past but offers receiving ability and solid pass-pro blocking so he can stay on the field all three downs. At the least, he’s a solid pick for a team looking for help on first and second downs, and can find a role in any NFL backfield.

He is a complete back but his skills will be tested in the faster and stronger NFL. The expectation is that he will be a Day 2 selection and more likely near the end of the second or start of the third round. That makes him available to any team who needs backfield help but don’t want to spend a first or high second-round pick to get the upgrade.  That would make him a potential target for the Bills, Cowboys, Jaguars, and Rams.

Outside of Bijan Robinson, Charbonnet is the only other highly-rated rookie back that carries the size for a heavy-duty role in the NFL. The other early picks are faster but also fifteen pounds lighter or more. Depending on where he lands, Charbonnet could carve out a significant role as a rookie since he’s a power-runner first and offers receiving skills as a way to remain on the field.

Charbonnet has been compared to David Johnson, Adrian Peterson, Cedric Benson and Arian Foster. He’ll get the chance to become an immediate contributor and challenge to become the No. 1 running back for his team.

2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: WR Zay Flowers, Boston College

Flowers is a versatile, game-breaking addition to any NFL team

Xavien “Zay” Flowers was a three-star recruit that joined Boston College and saw action as a freshman that included 27 carries despite only totaling seven runs while in high school.  He went on to lead the Eagles in receptions for his final three seasons while dominating their otherwise marginal receiving statistics.

Flowers’ impressive senior season saw him become a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award and an All-ACC first-team wide receiver. He left Boston College as their all-time leader in career receptions (200), receiving yards (3,056 yards) and receiving touchdowns (29). By his senior season, Flowers’ skill shined with 78 receptions for 1,077 yards and twelve touchdowns, while no other receiver caught more than 27 passes for the Eagles last year.

Height: 5-9
Weight: 182 pounds
40 time: 4.42 seconds

The Boston College star enters the draft with plenty of appeal and potential, and as successful as he was, Flowers has yet to discover just how good he can be. He’s been somewhat hidden while playing for the 3-9 Eagles last year as their only weapon of note. He’s expected to be a Top-5 wideout in the NFL draft and a first-round value.

Table: Player NCAA stats (2019-22)

Year School Games Catch Yards Avg. TD Rush Yards TD
2019 Boston College 13 22 341 15.5 3 27 195 1
2020 Boston College 11 56 892 15.9 9 11 41 1
2021 Boston College 12 44 746 17.0 5 7 69 0
2022 Boston College 12 78 1077 13.8 12 12 40 0

Pros

  • Dangerous in the open field
  • Speed to score on any play
  • Excelled despite playing with average quarterbacks
  • Game-breaking big play ability
  • Equally skilled playing inside or outside
  • Tacks on plenty of yards after catch
  • Adequate run blocker
  • Sets up defenders using speed and route running
  • Versatile receiver that can play all over field and run the ball

Cons

  • Smaller hands than most
  • Height/weight could be an issue on jump-balls or 50-50 throws
  • Concentration drops

Fantasy outlook

The only knock on Zay Flowers – if there legitimately is any – is that he’s small at 5-9 and 182 pounds. The only notable receiver in the NFL last year who was less than 5-11 was Tyler Lockett (5-10, 182 pounds). Darnell Mooney (5-11, 173 pounds) and Jahan Dotson (5-11, 184 pounds) were two of the most successful smaller players and yet were two inches taller than Flowers. His lack of height immediately suggests that he’ll be limited to a slot role in the NFL, the place that so many wildly productive college receivers find themselves after their smaller stature becomes a bigger issue when playing on the line as an outside receiver.

Flowers was not only highly productive at Boston College, he did so while being the sole focus of opposing secondaries as a senior. And wherever Flowers lands in the NFL, he’ll automatically be playing with the best quarterback of his career. His ceiling hasn’t been reached yet, and playing on a team with other weapons to concern the defense will be an added bonus he did not get in college.

He’s another rookie wideout that would be best served landing on a team needing a slot receiver to catch quick-strike passes. He can provide his offensive coordinator with a new versatile weapon to use creatively. He’s a playmaker but he’s also unlikely to see a high volume of passes until he can prove to play bigger than his size suggests. Flowers also committed 24 drops in college and that cannot continue in the NFL, though again – he gets an immediate upgrade in quarterback no matter where he lands.