Jamaal Charles
RB, Texas · 2008 NFL Draft, Round 3, pick #73 (KAN)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: age. Details below.
- Age
21 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.6% of the time (663 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #45 (#6 at his position), close to where he went (#73). The whole market, not just his team, missed on him.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Texas: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.38 40-yard dash at 200 lbs: faster than 92% of RBs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 51.6% of the time (973 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
RB (RB group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 46.1% of the time (501 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 119 of ~176 possible regular-season games from 2008 through 2018 (~68%). Last NFL season: 2018.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numbers
| Games | 119 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 4 |
| Pro Bowls | 4 |
| First-team All-Pro | 2 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 66 |
| Rushing | 1407 att, 7,563 yds, 44 TD |
| Receiving | 310 rec, 2,593 yds, 20 TD |
| Defense | 7 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2018 |
The 2008 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2008 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Age 21 or younger | 56.6% n=663 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Top 25% at his position | 51.6% n=973 | |
| Position RB | 46.1% n=501 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 5' 11", 200 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.38 s |
| Vertical | 30.5" |
| Broad jump | 122" |
| 3-cone | 6.8 s |
| Shuttle | 4.22 s |
| Age at draft | 21 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #45 overall (#6 RB) |
Picked around him 2008 redraft
| 70 | Earl Bennett | redraft #84 |
| 71 | Tavares Gooden | redraft #123 |
| 72 | Chris Ellis | redraft #173 |
| 74 | Dan Connor | redraft #105 |
| 75 | Reggie Smith | redraft #146 |
| 76 | Brad Cottam | redraft #170 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.