In three short seasons, Jets' nickel Michael Carter II has established himself as an elite NFL slot corner as well as one of the more laid-back starters on the defense.

Heading into Year 4, Carter II is trading in that calm and cool demeanor for a more vocal one in hopes of teaching their young defenders the "Jets Way."

"I am a well-respected person in the building, and I need to start using that," Carter II said. "Using my voice to be a better leader. In terms of communication on-field, I can always grow in that aspect. We are constantly communicating in different ways and trying to see what works and what doesn't.

"The Jets Way is a type of ferociousness and violence in the way we play. Also, a respect for one another and a love and a bond that tis really strong and that is showcased when we go out on the field."

Carter II's ascension to one of the league's elite defensive backs has flown mostly under the radar. A fifth-round pick (No. 154) by the Jets in 2021, Carter II has been overshadowed by All-Pro CB Sauce Gardner and veteran CB D.J. Reed.

Last season, Carter II began to earn the recognition, receiving a one vote for first team All-Pro and two for the second team. He surrendered a lone receiving TD over 472 coverage snaps (0.6 yards allowed per coverage snaps) and tied a career-high with 9 pass defenses in 15 games.

He took that momentum he gained into offseason training.

"Technique wise, I can't get enough of getting better at the little things," Carter II said. "I am trying to be better in press coverage and have better leverage. I am trying to use my feet more to limit the use of my hands and then bringing that into the fold later on. Just keep building on what I have been doing well."

Pro Football Focus thought highly of Carter II. He received an 80.4 defense grade which ranked second among nickels, trailing only Kansas City's Trent McDuffie (84.5) – the AP's first team All-Pro selection.

With that recognition comes the pressure to lead, by example and by being more vocal. Carter has made it known that he is up for the challenge.

"Guys listen when I am out there," Carter II said. "Everybody can lead. T.O . [DBs coach Tony Oden] always says that when we align behind it is OK to be in front and be the example. I think I can step into that role and do it just as much as C.J. [Mosley] and D.J. [Reed] have been. We all have a role to play."

When Carter II was drafted in 2021, the oldest cornerback in the room was Bryce Hall, who was in his second season. Carter II had to learn how to grow up quickly and feels well suited to be a to guide to the defensive backs, in particular rookie CB Qwan'tez Stiggers.

"Being an experienced players comes with the responsibility of bringing the young guys with you and showing them the ropes and teaching them how to be a pro and how to prepare," Carter II. "Now D.J. is in Year 7, Sauce is in Year 3 and I am in Year 4 and we have a bunch of young guys we can take under our wing in that cornerback room and teach them how the 'Jet Way' and how to uphold it."