Barrett Carter's College Legacy Appeals to the Cincinnati Bengals

For NFL teams scouting the next generation of talent, a player’s college legacy—defined by on-field production, positional versatility, and leadership—often speaks louder than raw athleticism. For the Cincinnati Bengals, linebacker Barrett Carter’s standout college career has emerged as a key reason he’s atop their draft wishlist. Over four seasons, Carter built a legacy as a do-it-all defender, excelling in run stopping, pass rushing, and coverage—skills that align perfectly with the Bengals’ need to upgrade their linebacking corps. His ability to elevate his team in big games, combined with a track record of consistency, has made him a rare prospect who can contribute immediately while growing into a long-term cornerstone. Barrett Carter's College Legacy Appeals to the Cincinnati Bengals explores the moments and traits that define his college career, why they resonate with the Bengals, and how his legacy could translate to NFL success.

At the heart of Carter’s college legacy is his positional versatility—a trait that has become a calling card for modern NFL linebackers. At Clemson, he seamlessly shifted between inside linebacker, outside linebacker, and even edge rusher, depending on his team’s needs. In his senior season, he split time between inside (60% of snaps) and outside (40%), recording 95 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, and 3 interceptions—stats that showcase his ability to impact every phase of the defense. One of his most memorable performances came against Notre Dame in 2023, where he started at inside linebacker, moved to edge rusher in passing situations, and intercepted a pass in the end zone to seal a 24-17 win. “Barrett doesn’t just play one position—he masters every role we ask of him,” said Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables. This versatility isn’t just about flexibility; it’s about football IQ—Carter’s ability to read offenses, adjust his positioning, and execute different assignments. For the Bengals, who often struggle to find linebackers who can handle both run and pass duties, this legacy of adaptability is a perfect fit. Barrett Carter's College Legacy Appeals to the Cincinnati Bengals emphasizes that his ability to play multiple spots isn’t a bonus—it’s a strategic advantage that would let the Bengals simplify their defensive packages and exploit opponents’ weaknesses.

Another defining part of Carter’s college legacy is his clutch performance in high-stakes games—a trait that separates good players from great ones. Over his career, he saved his best for the biggest moments: in two ACC Championship games, he recorded 18 total tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble; in three bowl games, he added 22 tackles, 2 sacks, and an interception. His senior-year performance against rival South Carolina was particularly iconic: with Clemson trailing 17-14 in the fourth quarter, Carter forced a fumble on a South Carolina running play, recovered it, and returned it 20 yards to set up the game-winning touchdown. “Barrett has a knack for showing up when it matters most,” said Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney. “He doesn’t get rattled by pressure—he thrives on it.” This legacy of clutch play is rooted in his preparation: Carter was known for spending extra hours studying film, breaking down opponents’ tendencies, and practicing game-winning scenarios. For the Bengals, who play in a competitive AFC North and need defenders who can perform in playoff-caliber matchups, this part of Carter’s legacy is invaluable. Barrett Carter's College Legacy Appeals to the Cincinnati Bengals highlights that his ability to rise to the occasion isn’t just luck—it’s a habit forged over years of college football, and one that would translate seamlessly to the NFL.

Carter’s college legacy also includes a reputation as a vocal leader—a trait the Cincinnati Bengals are eager to add to their defensive room. By his junior year, he was named a team captain, and he quickly became the voice of Clemson’s defense, calling out plays, aligning teammates, and motivating them during tough stretches. In a 2023 game against Florida State, Clemson trailed 20-7 at halftime; Carter gathered the defense in the locker room and delivered a speech that focused on accountability and resilience. The Tigers went on to outscore Florida State 21-3 in the second half, with Carter recording 10 tackles and a sack. “Barrett doesn’t just lead with his play—he leads with his words,” said Clemson linebacker coach Mike Reed. “He has a way of making everyone around him better.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, who have a young defensive core (including safety Dax Hill and cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt), Carter’s legacy of leadership would accelerate the group’s development. He’d join veteran leaders like defensive tackle D.J. Reader, creating a balance of experience and youth that could elevate the entire defense. Barrett Carter's College Legacy Appeals to the Cincinnati Bengals shows that the Cincinnati Bengals aren’t just drafting a player—they’re drafting a leader whose college legacy of accountability and teamwork would strengthen their locker room culture.

Carter’s college legacy of consistency is another reason he appeals to the Cincinnati Bengals, who value reliability in their defensive starters. Over four seasons, he never missed a game due to injury, and his production remained steady year-over-year: he recorded 70+ tackles in three consecutive seasons, 5+ tackles for loss in four seasons, and improved his sack total each year (from 1 in 2021 to 5 in 2024). This consistency isn’t just about staying healthy; it’s about work ethic. Clemson coaches often praised Carter for his dedication to strength and conditioning, his attention to detail in practice, and his willingness to put in extra work to refine his craft. “Barrett shows up every day ready to get better,” said Swinney. “He doesn’t have off days—on the field or in the film room.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, who have dealt with injuries to key linebackers in recent seasons (including Logan Wilson’s hamstring strain in 2024), this legacy of durability and consistency is a major plus. They need a linebacker who can stay on the field, perform at a high level week in and week out, and provide stability to a unit that has been prone to inconsistency. Barrett Carter's College Legacy Appeals to the Cincinnati Bengals underscores that the Cincinnati Bengals see in Carter a player who won’t just fill a spot—he’ll provide the reliability their defense has been missing.

Finally, Carter’s college legacy of adapting to new roles and improving over time aligns with the Cincinnati Bengals’ philosophy of drafting players with room to grow. Early in his college career, Carter struggled in pass coverage, allowing a 65tch rate when targeted. But he spent his offseasons working on his footwork, ball skills, and understanding of coverage schemes, and by his senior year, that catch rate dropped to 42%, and he added 3 interceptions. This willingness to identify weaknesses and fix them is a hallmark of his legacy—and one that resonates with the Bengals, who have a history of developing prospects into stars (e.g., Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins). “Barrett is a student of the game,” said Venables. “He’s never satisfied—he’s always looking for ways to get better.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this part of his legacy means Carter wouldn’t just contribute immediately—he’d continue to improve, becoming an even more valuable player as he learns the NFL game. They envision him starting as a rotational linebacker, then growing into a full-time starter, and eventually becoming a defensive anchor. Barrett Carter's College Legacy Appeals to the Cincinnati Bengals concludes that the Cincinnati Bengals’ interest in Carter is about more than his current talent—it’s about his college legacy of versatility, clutch play, leadership, consistency, and growth. These traits have defined his career so far, and they’re exactly what the Bengals need to build a championship-caliber defense. If Carter ends up in Cincinnati, his college legacy won’t just be a footnote—it’ll be the foundation of his NFL success.