garyv
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Charbonnet and Roshan Johnson either one of them I was hoping for in 3rd or 4th round. I believe
stronger back is needed coupled with Pollard and Ronald Jones. We need a short yardage back.
RB pass blocking…this class
- Thread starter fivetwos
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stronger back is needed coupled with Pollard and Ronald Jones. We need a short yardage back.
InPhiltraitor
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Don't hate...you asked.
Back up to the basis of this thread where the question was raised about pass blocking RB’s. The assumption would be that ZC is a good blocker due to his size but in fact he grades-out quite poorly in this category. PFF will give you a grade (it’s bad) if you care to look, and there are probably other services that have assigned him similar values. NFL draft buzz says – “Offers little in pass protection and poor technique at cut blocking”. The eye test also works for me and given that I’ve had to watch his games, sometimes multiple times, I have a pretty good take on his ability to put his hat in someone’s chest. So from that perspective, there’s zero relationship between ZC and one of the better blocking backs (Z. Elliot) I’ve seen in a while.
If you’re enamored with his numbers at UCLA, I assure you, they are overinflated and would have been achieved by numerous backs in this draft. Four of the nine conference games were played against teams with bottom 20 rush defenses, including Colorado who was only outdone by LA Tech. There were plenty “defense optional” memes created by the PAC’s desire to simply not play any. This was also UCLA’s best offensive unit in a while with seniors across the line (RT being the exception) that were exceptional at executing gap-heavy blocking schemes, and they had a QB who played what felt like 8 years in a system that he could run in his sleep. Chip Kelley spread you and made it look like 7 on 7 football. Just watch how many prospects on the offensive side of the ball will be on rosters next season. It’s a running backs wet dream. Does Zeke get a Heisman with this unit or does he just finish 8th in the balloting like he did in ’15 season? Could speculate either way but ZC was in a ready-made system and wasn’t a top 10 (do they go beyond ten?) consideration. At draft time Zeke was heavier and faster than Charbonnet and the game speed is measurable. Bama players wish they had to track down ZC instead of Elliot. Think we’re forgetting how good top gear Zeke was due to his recent decline.
Other non-measurable aspects of my thoughts on ZC are based on conversations I’ve had with writers in the LA market. The takeaway was not to expect a drop-off in production from the UCLA backfield in 2023. Although the carries will be more evenly distributed between backs, I was told to watch TJ Harden in particular and that he’s got more wiggle than ZC, but perhaps runs with less violence. I believe he averaged over 7 yrds/carry just as ZC did. From what I remember, he had the same giant splits to run through as ZC.
I could write more on this topic but I’m sure that I’ve already stated more than anyone cares to read so I’ll be bowing out of this one. If you like the guy, you like the guy and if he's drafted by the Cowboys I hope he excels. The only comparison I see between ZC and ZE is that fact that ZC has the physical ability to tote it for a ton of carries. Zach will have a career that will make him filthy rich, including a second contract, he’s a good player, but I just don’t buy into this plug-and-play Zeke fools gold.
Now I gotta go listen to some guy tell me what Renewal by Andersen Windows can do for me.
beware_d-ware
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Sounds like you're pretty tied in to UCLA football. Is the back behind Charbonnet considered an NFL hopeful? Or is he just a guy.
Beaker42
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Hopefully more like Early career Zeke. Mid career is when he started blowing.
beware_d-ware
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He doesn't have the wheels of early career Zeke. I don't think Charbonnet will be breaking 40 yarders either.
InPhiltraitor
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None of the committee of backs behind Charbonnet are considered prospects at present, and Zach's balance and durability easily separated him from the other guys.
I'm tied to PAC football, not just specifically UCLA. Had to watch a couple spring games this weekend and could get deep, but I'll leave you with a three names to keep an eye on since I'm guessing your curious about future prospects.
From the Washington Huskies spring game. Rome Odunze, WR, 6-3 and should run a sub 4.5. I'd expect 80+ catches from him this season with Michael Penix still @ QB ( 4,641 passing yds. last year). A handful of players could have left the team but are returning to handle what they call, "unfinished business." With their explosive offense last year they went 11-2, and I see no drop off coming this year. Huge year projected for Odunze.
Didn't see him yet this year, but Arizona's Jacob Cowing is a water bug that's worth watching. Could be a 2nd round selection next year. He and Mario Williams will be compared, and as of right now, I'm on team Cowing.
Since it's a RB thread, here's an interesting cat to keep an eye on. He could be featured much more than he will be at Oregon due to the Ducks having a riches of skill position players. Thinking of him since a recent thread has compared Deuce and Gibbs. Have a look at the 2022 Bucky Irving highlights. Small in stature but likes contact, and has been gifted with great feet and balance.
Mar'Keise Irving 2022
Sorry for hijacking the Cowboys site for a bit. Just consider this response as suggestions for future draft selections.