NY Jets: Zach Wilson deserved to be the No. 1 pick, according to Michael Carter

NY Jets' quarterback Zach Wilson has received his fair share of praise over the last few months, but perhaps none greater than the words from his new teammate, running back Michael Carter.

Carter spoke about his new quarterback in a recent interview on SiriusXM NFL Radio where he revealed that he believed Wilson "deserved to be the No. 1 pick."

The rookie fourth-round pick insisted that this wasn't a knock against Trevor Lawrence, the actual No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and an ACC rival of Carter's in college, but that it was just because of how good Wilson was.

Carter called Lawrence a "special talent" and "elite" but insisted that Wilson was also a great quarterback.

"He's a great player. He's literally so good and he's so smart. He does minute stuff that just really wows you."

- Michael Carter, on Zach Wilson

Michael Carter had high praise for NY Jets quarterback Zach Wilson

While Lawrence was the consensus top pick in the draft, there were some rumblings leading up to draft night that some teams around the league didn't agree with the consensus.

In February, it was reported that "at least one team" had Wilson ranked as QB1 in the draft and former NFL quarterback Chris Simms has been very vocal in his belief that Wilson was the best quarterback in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Carter's take is uncommon, but not unprecedented.

Nonetheless, the Jets have high expectations for both Wilson and Carter in 2021. Wilson is expected to immediately slot in as the team's day one starting QB and will look to turn the fortunes of the franchise around after a disappointing end to the Sam Darnold era.

Fortunately, Wilson will be given a much better supporting cast to work with than Darnold ever had. Carter is a part of that Jets' revamped offensive unit.

The Jets drafted Carter at the beginning of Round 4 and expect him to immediately contribute as part of the team's running back rotation.

The 22-year-old excelled at North Carolina as part of one of the nation's most dominant running back duos, paired with Javonte Williams. Now, Carter will look to stand out in another running back committee.

Both Wilson and Carter will look to live up to expectations in 2021. And Wilson will be out to prove his new teammate right.