The New York Jets add even more help for Zach Wilson in the form of North Carolina running back Michael Carter.
Continuing to add help for their new franchise quarterback, the New York Jets selected their fourth consecutive offensive player to begin the 2021 NFL draft, using the 107th overall pick on North Carolina running back Michael Carter.
A product of Navarre, Florida, Carter is a tiny running back at 5-foot-8 and 201 pounds, but he comes into the league after a ridiculously efficient career in Chapel Hill. In his 2020 senior season, Carter rushed for 1,245 yards and nine touchdowns over just 156 carries and 11 games. His average of 8.0 yards per carry led all FBS running backs with at least 100 carries.
Carter created much of his production by himself. He averaged 4.5 yards after contact per rush attempt in 2020, ranking at the 95th percentile among qualified FBS running backs.
Additionally, Carter has solid passing game potential. He caught 25 passes for 267 yards and two touchdowns in 2020. His average of 1.93 yards per route run ranked at the position’s 95th percentile. Carter’s hands are soft, as he had only one drop in each of the past two seasons.
Carter split carries with second-round pick Javonte Williams (No. 35 to the Broncos) at a nearly 50-50 rate throughout the past few seasons. His career-high for carries was 177 in 2019, so his mileage is relatively limited.
Joe Douglas and the Jets continue to emphasize building around Zach Wilson. Their next pick is at No. 143 overall in the fourth round.
