NY Jets: 4 draft prospects who are a perfect fit in Mike LaFleur’s offense

3. NY Jets draft target: Michael Carter, RB, North Carolina

Michael Carter isn’t going to be the only running back we talk about on this list. And in all honesty, you could easily throw a handful of others in here too given how running-back-friendly the Shanahan system is.

But few could serve to benefit more from this type of scheme than the former North Carolina standout.

Carter helped form college football’s most dynamic backfield duo alongside fellow 2021 draftee Javonte Williams. One of the most dynamic players in the country, Carter topped 1,000 rushing yards in both 2019 and 2020 despite splitting touches with Williams.

At 5-foot-7, 201 pounds, Carter is never going to be a three-down running back in the NFL. But as part of a committee, he could be a dangerous offensive weapon.

Carter is a patient runner, but his excellent vision allows him to quickly find open running lanes and explode into the second level. He might not be the fastest player in the class, but Carter’s blend of vision, footwork, and agility give him sky-high upside in a zone-blocking scheme.

The 21-year-old was a chunk-play machine at North Carolina racking up 23 plays of 20 yards or more in 2020 due in part to his quick-cut ability and elusiveness.

On top of that, he was a very efficient pass-catcher in college hauling in 20+ catches in each of his final three seasons at Chapel Hill.

He’s undersized, but Carter has all the tools to be a standout runner in an outside zone scheme. His vision, elusiveness, and outside speed should allow him to find a ton of success with the Jets if they make him a target on Day 2 or 3 of the draft.

Next: 2. Amari Rodgers