New York Jets steal Michael Carter in the 4th for retooled offense

The New York Jets, through their top handful of selections in the 2021 NFL Draft, have been focused solely on the offensive side of the football. They are trusting Robert Saleh’s coaching for the defense as well as the free agency moves they made on that side, and they’re investing in Zach Wilson and the offense.

To open up their day three selections, the New York Jets have made a very shrewd move, snatching up North Carolina running back Michael Carter.

Carter, at this juncture of the draft, is a steal by about 30 picks or so. He was awesome for the Tar Heels as a three-down back in tandem with Javonte Williams, and given the Jets’ lack of clarity atop the depth chart at running back, this is a player who could legitimately challenge for the RB1 job as soon as the 2021 season.

New York Jets 2021 NFL Draft recap so far

1 (2): Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
1 (14): Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, USC
2 (34): Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss
4 (107): Michael Carter, RB, North Carolina

The Jets have another selection yet in the fourth round before they have two in the fifth round. They traded their third-round selections so they could move up to get Alijah Vera-Tucker, presumably to play left guard right next to the massive Mekhi Becton at left tackle.

Although they didn’t have a third-round pick, it’s safe to say that Carter is a third-round value type of pick for them.

Carter is a big play threat at the running back position and gives the Jets a much-needed weapon out of the backfield in the passing game as well.

Needless to say, Joe Douglas and new head coach Robert Saleh (a defensive coach) have set out to put their young quarterback in the best possible situation to succeed moving forward. The Jets also added Corey Davis in free agency and have promising wide receiver Denzel Mims on the outside as well.