Michael Carter 2021 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Name: Michael Carter

Position: Running Back

College: North Carolina

Height: 5’8”

Weight: 202 lbs

Overall Rank: No. 80 overall

Position Rank: RB4

Strengths: A stout, powerful back with a small strike zone for tacklers to hit, Carter is a tough and athletic runner who is dynamic working outside the tackle box. He’s agile enough to make defenders miss, can create laterally and has the lower body power to churn for tough yards. Carter has the burst and vision to excel in an outside zone scheme. He has enough power and burst to be effective when working on one-cut runs and will pull away from defenders when he finds daylight as a runner. Fumbles are not a concern. Productive runner who posted back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons despite being part of a group of ball-carriers. Working in the pass game, Carter is a capable receiver and has reliable hands. He’s also stout enough to succeed in pass protection. Teams looking for a kick returner will also love that Carter has experience and production in that role. 

Weaknesses: Scouts have noted that Carter was never “the guy” at North Carolina and might be best suited for a role in the NFL instead of a starting job. His lack of overall size has been pointed out as an issue from NFL scouts. He doesn’t always run with aggressiveness on inside plays and can look too early to bounce outside the tackle box. He can get heavy-footed at times and hesitate to find inside rushing lanes.

What I Love: Carter’s ability to take on multiple roles at UNC was electric. He was a productive runner, a very good receiver, and a talented kick returner. As the NFL starts to value “position-less” athletes, Carter fits that mold.

NFL Comparison: James Robinson

Grade: 70/100

Position Specific Traits:
(key: +, ++, +++ positive scale | -, - -, - - - negative scale)

Agility: +
Ball Security: +++
Blocking: ++
Contact Balance: ++
Hands: ++
Power: +
Speed: +