2021 NFL Draft: Michael Carter solidifying 2nd round status
There are some big-time talents at the running back position at the top of the 2021 NFL Draft class and the duo coming out of North Carolina — Javonte Williams and Michael Carter — might be two of the top three players selected at the position.
Alabama’s Najee Harris and Clemson’s Travis Etienne will certainly be in the mix as well, but Williams and Carter put so much on tape in the past couple of seasons that it will be impossible for NFL clubs to ignore their three-down value going forward.
Carter, in particular, has raised his stock substantially with a huge week at the 2021 Senior Bowl.
North Carolina’s Michael Carter was named top RB on the National team in a vote from the LB and DS groups at practice player-of-the-week awards ceremony tonight at 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl. #TheDraftStartsInMobile pic.twitter.com/E47tawzQ7N
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) January 30, 2021
What are the top traits you’re looking for in running backs coming out of college these days?
First and foremost — do they have three-down abilities? Not only do these guys have to be able to carry the rock, they’ve got to be able to catch it.
There are few backs that have come out in recent years that are more impressive as all-around backs than Carter, but he has strong peers in the 2021 class with Najee Harris (who could probably play wide receiver) and his own teammate Javonte Williams.
Carter is such a natural and is a weapon in more ways than just hauling in screen passes or quick swings to the outside. He has a really good feel for catching passes deep downfield and strong hands to keep himself viable for three downs in the NFL.
What’s probably the most impressive about Carter beyond his three-down abilities is his combination of vision, balance, and burst.
It’s hard to quantify those things until you see guys like this playing at full speed who are able to accelerate in the blink of an eye and work through contact while also following the blocking scheme.
This guy is an ankle breaker in the open field, but he’s also capable of bouncing off of would-be tacklers and gaining yards after contact. His game against Miami in 2020, topping 300 yards rushing, is one of the most impressive you will see from a running back prospect.
When all is said and done, teams would be crazy to let a back with this kind of skill set get past the top 64 selections. There are some who view Najee Harris and Javonte Williams as the unquestioned top two backs in this class, but Carter should be given serious consideration there, even ahead of the likes of Travis Etienne.