After a long week, it’s finally time to wrap up the 2023 NFL Combine with the running backs and offensive linemen on day four. Out of all the positions, getting the official measurements on these running backs’ size and speed is one of the biggest indicators in predicting future success. So with this in mind, it’s time to dive deep into the biggest risers from day four of the NFL Combine.
Running Backs
Zach Charbonnet
Charbonnet is one of the prospects in this draft who has the potential to be a three-down back. This is extremely rare, so it was great when Charbonnet measured in at 6′ 0″ and 214 lbs. When evaluating the running back position, the most important stat is BMI. Your BMI indicates your future success and ability to handle a three-down workload.
Charbonnet ended up with a 29 BMI, which isn’t phenomenal, but it’s not far off from what you’re looking for out of a workhorse back. There is still hope that Charbonnet will put on some weight and become a three-down back at some point in his career. However, even if he’s not at that point immediately, this is a good enough size to get a ton of touches at the next level.
Charbonnet ran the 40 well during his combine, especially for his size, recording a time of 4.53. He was exceptional during all his other testing measurements, causing him to have a Relative Athletic Score of 9.68. This is comparable to Rachaad White which is very good. There is a good chance that with Charbonnet’s performance, he will go in the second round of the NFL Draft. Weeks ago, this seemed like a long shot but now, not so much.
Chase Brown
One of the most underrated running backs in the class, Brown, had a phenomenal day. He is a back I love due to his combination of size and speed. Many of these running backs were disappointing regarding their BMI, but Brown hit the requirements we’re looking for.
At 5′ 9 1/2″ and 209 lbs, Brown had a BMI of 30.4, which is phenomenal. While Brown hasn’t shown the elite level production and skillset in college, he has the three-down size you’re looking for in a running back.
Not only was his size fantastic, but his testing numbers were phenomenal. Brown ran a 4.43 40 and tested very well in his other drills. This put Brown’s RAS at 9.62, which is comparable to the likes of Aaron Jones. Before this weekend, Brown was projected to go in the mid-fifth round, but now I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes in the mid to early third round.
Offensive Line
Blake Freeland
With offensive linemen, it’s hard to analyze them before you see their NFL Draft capital. But, on the other hand, if you see a guy that is big and can move very well, he’s going to fly up these rankings. The offensive linemen looked solid overall, but only one guy rose up on draft boards. Blake Freeland.
Freeland had a monster combine as he killed his measurements. To start, Freeland weighed in at 6′ 8″ and 302 lbs. and set a multitude of testing records. During his measurements, Freeland set a combine record with a 37″ vertical.
On top of that, Freeland was also the number one lineman in the broad jump, where he jumped 10 feet and in the 10-second split with a time of 1.68 seconds. Freeland’s RAS was 9.82, and his number-one comparison was Lane Johnson. Freeland was a third-round pick before his workout, but with this type of size and athleticism, I don’t see him dropping past the second round.
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