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New York Jets Select North Carolina RB Michael Carter With No. 107 Pick in 2021 NFL Draft

The New York Jets select North Carolina running back Michael Carter with the No. 107 pick in the fourth round of the NFL draft

Max Goodman

Adam Richins-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets continue to address their offense in the 2021 NFL draft.

New York selected North Carolina running back Michael Carter with the No. 107 pick, their fourth consecutive offensive player taken to the start of this year's draft.

Carter was an explosive and versatile playmaker out of the backfield in college, accumulating 1,512 yards from scrimmage last year at North Carolina. With 1,245 rushing yards on 156 touches, Carter averaged eight yards per carry. That's both the fourth-most yards and fourth-highest average per carry in the nation.

The UNC product will join Tevin Coleman, La'Mical Perine, Ty Johnson and Josh Adams in Gang Green's running back room. Last year, 37-year-old Frank Gore led the team in rushing yards. 

Taking Carter, it's the first time since 1983 that the Jets have picked four offensive players over their first four picks. That said, it's clear that general manager Joe Douglas and the Jets had a plan entering this draft. 

For a team that's had the worst offense in football each of the last two seasons, starting over at the quarterback position on Thursday night, New York is doing everything possible to facilitate Zach Wilson's success, surrounding him with weapons.

The Jets picked guard Alijah Vera-Tucker after trading up in the first, bolstering their offensive line. They chose not to trade back in the second round, adding a top wide receiver in Elijah Moore. Now, Wilson has another playmaker at his disposal.

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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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