5 players rising up the Vikings draft board after the 2021 Senior Bowl
By Nik Edlund
Michael Carter – RB (North Carolina)
The Vikings really don’t need to select a running back in the 2021 NFL Draft. They have Dalvin Cook, who is one of the best in the NFL, and two very capable backups in Alexander Mattison and Mike Boone.
However, if Minnesota is sitting on the clock in say, the fourth round, this guy is on the board, and there isn’t any value at a need position, they shouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger.
Carter, like Amari Rodgers, just looked like he was playing on another level on Saturday. He was smoother running the ball than the other running backs and he showed great vision, burst, toughness, and overall speed.
Carter racked up 60 yards on eight carries with a score that included a long scamper of 27 yards. He also showed soft hands catching a couple of passes for 15 yards. He certainly looks the part of a player who could carry a full load at the next level.
While the Vikings are set at running back, Carter could have a role even if the top of the depth chart is kept as is. Perhaps he takes over the Ameer Abdullah role as the primary kick returner and fourth running back. He does have experience as a kick returner, racking up 650 yards in his days as a Tar Heel.
The Vikings do definitely need help in that area so this would be a mid-round pick well spent. The chances of Carter becoming a member of Minnesota’s roster in April are slim, but he’s definitely a player moving up the board after his Senior Bowl showing.