Vegas Points to Jets Rookie Michael Carter Leading Backfield

The New York Jets may have rookies taking over at several skill positions in 2021. 

No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson is expected to be the team’s starting quarterback in Robert Saleh’s first season at the helm, and second-round wideout Elijah Moore has been emerging as a potential breakout candidate for the Jets as well. 

Now, another name is getting in the mix, as running back Michael Carter, a fourth-round pick out of the University of North Carolina is gaining traction as the leader in New York’s backfield. 

WynnBET currently has Carter as the only Jets running back listed on its odds to lead the NFL in rushing at +50000, and while those are extremely long odds, it still signals that he could run away with the job during training camp. 

Carter has been garnering some buzz on the Jets beat since minicamp, and it wouldn’t be a shocker if he plays the majority of the snaps for the Jets this coming season. 

“The Jets will implement a running back rotation this year, very similar to the one the [San Francisco] 49ers used to run to the Super Bowl in 2019 (Raheem Mostert, Tevin Coleman, Matt Breida),” The Athletic’s Connor Hughes wrote.

“There won’t be a bell cow for that reason, but keep an eye on Carter as the eventual 1A in the group. The rookie out of UNC is so elusive with the ball in his hands and a challenge for any defender to bring down in the open field. He needs to learn some decisiveness when picking a hole, but that will come with experience. The thing that separates Carter, though, is his catching ability. He’s essentially a receiver out of the backfield. Aside from the many impressive over-the-shoulder catches he made on swing routes this summer, he had a ridiculous one-handed catch that erupted the sideline.”

WynnBET has Carter’s odds to win the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award at +4000 which is good for 14th. Running backs have won three of the last six Offensive Rookie of the Year awards, so Carter could be a dark horse if he truly runs away with the backfield. 

I don’t think that will be the case, as Javonte Williams (Carter’s teammate at UNC) and Najee Harris certainly have easier paths to the award this season.

However, Carter is immensely talented and should be able to separate himself for a Jets team that is desperate to find a consistent running game in 2021 after finishing with the 10th-worst rushing offense last season.

Download the WynnBET app in New Jersey, Indiana or Colorado to make your pick.