The New York Jets have had a very good 2021 draft, now including two players out of the same conference with the same name.
The New York Jets did as expected and drafted BYU quarterback Zach Wilson second overall on Thursday night, then they traded up to No. 14 to get USC guard/tackle Alijah Vera-Tucker. Early in the second round, with the 34th overall pick, they added Ole Miss wide receiver Elijah Moore.
The trade up in the first round with the Minnesota Vikings cost the Jets third-round picks, so they were done until Day 3 on Saturday.
With the 107th overall pick, in the fourth round, the Jets took North Carolina running back Michael Carter. The former Tar Heel looks like a steal there, and the Jets have an opening for someone to take the lead role in their backfield. With pick No. 146, in the fifth round, the Jets shifted to defense as they went with Auburn safety Jamien Sherwood.
Eight picks after that, at No. 154 overall, the Jets took another secondary player with the selection of Duke defensive back Michael Carter II.
Yes, the Jets drafted two guys with the same name
The two Michael Carters, with one thankfully designated as a “second” to further help differentiate them, will both be Jets. Of course the fact they play different positions on different sides of the ball will help fans know which one is which. But they both came out of the ACC, from rival schools in North Carolina and Duke.
One Michael Carter, the running back, has a better chance to earn a significant role for the Jets as a rookie. The other may be able to stick right away as a backup and special teamer, with the possibility to earn a real role on the defense.