Draft Stock - Profiles

Strengths: Breakaway speed, good vision and cutting ability
Weaknesses: Smallish, not a between-the-tackles runner

Statline: Rushed for 1,619 yards and 18 touchdowns as a junior. Finished his three-year career at Texas with 3,867 yards from scrimmage and 39 touchdowns.

Technique: Speed runner. Most effective in a one-cut system.

Known Injuries: Played through ankle injury as a freshman in 2005.

Combine / Workout Assessment: COMING SOON

Analysis: After two seasons of sharing carries, Charles made the most of his prime-time opportunity and used a solid junior season as a springboard to the NFL. He measured a bit smaller at the Combine than his listed height at Texas, but his game isn’t about banging between the tackles. Charles has the speed to get to the outside and the patience, vision, and cutting ability to excel in a one-cut zone-blocking system that asks him to get upfield in a hurry. The former track star also has a fifth gear that allows him to separate from the pack once he bursts through the line of scrimmage. Pro scouts worry about his ability to withstand the rigors of a full workload, especially if he’s asked to pound the ball inside; however, there are no doubts about his speed, and NFL teams tend to find a place for speed on their rosters. His propensity for carelessness with the football won’t endear him to some coaches, but his footspeed all but ensures he’ll hear his name called on the first day of the draft.