2021 NFL Draft: New York Jets select RB Michael Carter

Another UNC football standout comes off the NFL Draft board, as Michael Carter will begin his professional football career in New York.

After an illustrious four-year career with the UNC football program, Michael Carter is ready to begin his NFL career.

On Friday, Carter was selected with the 107th overall pick in the fourth round in this year’s NFL Draft by the New York Jets. Carter becomes the fourth Tar Heel to be selected, following former teammates Javonte Williams, Chazz Surratt and Dyami Brown.

Carter was projected as a likely day two pick in this draft class. Based on an early run of running backs selected early in the draft, it appeared as if Carter’s name would be called earlier than anticipated.

However, Carter slipped a bit, as he fell into day three of the draft. Carter didn’t have to wait long to hear his name called, as the Jets made him the second overall selection of the day.

Based on what we saw during his tenure in Chapel Hill, the Jets are getting a quality running back who has the ability to impact the game in multiple ways.

For starters, Carter has proved his effectiveness in running the football. Carter and Williams formed a duo that became a true nightmare for opposing defensive fronts.

As a Tar Heel, Carter rushed for 3,404 yards, which included back-to-back 1,000 yard season during his junior and senior campaigns. He also protects the ball extremely well, as he did not record a fumble over the last two seasons.

Although the Tar Heels did not use him much in the passing game, Carter was still a solid contributor in that aspect. He hauled in a career-best 25 passes for 267 yards and two touchdowns during his final collegiate season, and also impressed scouts with his ability to be trustworthy and willing player in the pass protection game.

Additionally, Carter could become a factor in the kick return game as well. The Navarre, FL native averaged 22.4 yards-per-return on 29 career kickoff attempts, including a career-high 24.5 yards per return during the 2019 season.

With new head coach Robert Saleh in the mix, the Jets are expected to adopt the same offensive scheme that his former team, the San Francisco 49ers, currently operate. Based on the scheme and his skillset, Carter should be an excellent fit with the New York Jets.

Carter had to wait a little longer than anticipated, but he finally heard his name called. Now it’s time for the former Tar Heel to go to work.

Continue to follow the Keeping It Heel team for all the latest news and updates on Michael Carter as well as your favorite Tar Heels in the pros.