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New York Jets Select Duke Defensive Back Michael Carter II With No. 154 Pick in 2021 NFL Draft

The New York Jets picked Duke defensive back Michael Carter with the No. 154 pick in the fifth round, adding depth to an inexperienced secondary

Max Goodman

After four straight offensive picks to start the NFL draft, New York is bolstering its defense. 

The Jets picked Duke defensive back Michael Carter II with the No. 154 pick in the fifth round.

Carter played four years at Duke, compiling 135 tackles over 42 games. He defended 23 passes, increasing his single-season numbers in that category every year, while adding four interceptions (including two in his senior season).

The defensive back was picked moments after New York added safety (and potentially linebacker) Jamien Sherwood from Auburn. Earlier on Day 3, New York snagged another Michael Carter, the running back from North Carolina.

Carter played safety primarily at Duke, but the Jets appear to view him as a cornerback. 

The Jets' secondary was torn apart routinely in 2020 and while New York will still need to address their cornerback situation, adding an experienced defensive back with versatility certainly can't hurt. 

Carter will join Marcus Maye, Ashtyn Davis (last year's third-rounder) and Lamarcus Joyner (signed in free agency). At cornerback, New York has Bryce Hall (picked in the fifth round a year ago) along with Bless Austin, Lamar Jackson, Justin Hardee (acquired in free agency) and more.

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Max Goodman
MAX GOODMAN

Max Goodman covers the New York Jets for Sports Illustrated and FanNation. He also covers the New York Yankees, publisher  of Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Yankees site, Inside The Pinstripes. Before starting out with SI, Goodman attended Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Sports Media, graduating in 2019. While at school, Goodman gathered valuable experience as an anchor and reporter on NNN SportsNight and played on the club baseball team. Goodman previously interned at MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the Miami Marlins. He also interned with ESPN, working as an associate reporter on Mike Greenberg's Get Up. Goodman is from New York City. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen. Follow Goodman on Twitter @MaxTGoodman and connect with him via email by reaching out at maxgoodmansports@gmail.com.

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