Barrett Carter's Skills Evaluated for Fit with the Cincinnati Bengals

In the NFL’s constant quest to refine rosters and fill positional needs, the Cincinnati Bengals have turned their attention to Clemson linebacker Barrett Carter—a prospect whose versatile skill set has made him a standout in scouting circles. As the Bengals look to strengthen their linebacker corps, which has faced depth challenges and inconsistencies in recent seasons, evaluating Carter’s abilities becomes critical. His mix of run-defense toughness, pass-coverage agility, and blitzing prowess aligns with the demands of modern NFL defenses, but how well do these skills translate to the Bengals’ specific scheme? Barrett Carter's Skills Evaluated for Fit with the Cincinnati Bengals breaks down his key strengths, areas for growth, and how he could address the Bengals’ most pressing defensive needs.

Barrett Carter's Skills Evaluated for Fit with the Cincinnati Bengals first focuses on his elite versatility—a trait that has become a cornerstone of successful NFL linebackers. At Clemson, Carter played multiple roles: he lined up as an inside linebacker in base packages, shifted to the edge on passing downs, and even dropped into slot coverage against tight ends and running backs. This flexibility is evident in his stats: over his senior season, he recorded 83 total tackles (11 for loss), 3.5 sacks, 5 pass breakups, and 2 interceptions—rare production that shows he can impact plays in all three phases of defense. For the Bengals, who run a hybrid defensive scheme under coordinator Lou Anarumo, this versatility is invaluable. Anarumo’s system requires linebackers to handle “three-down duties”: stopping the run on early downs, blitzing on third-and-long, and covering pass-catchers in open space. Carter’s ability to excel in all three areas would allow the Bengals to reduce substitution packages, keeping their best defenders on the field longer. “Versatility isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a necessity,” said one NFL scout who evaluated Carter. “He doesn’t have a clear weakness, which makes him a perfect fit for teams that need a linebacker to do it all.”

A critical skill that makes Carter a strong fit for the Bengals is his proficiency in pass coverage—a longstanding need for Cincinnati’s linebacker group. The Bengals’ current linebackers have struggled to contain tight ends and running backs in the passing game, allowing opposing offenses to exploit mismatches in the middle of the field. Last season, Cincinnati ranked 22nd in the NFL in yards allowed to tight ends, with opposing players averaging 6.8 yards per catch against their linebacker coverage. Carter, however, has shown a natural aptitude for this role. At Clemson, he often matched up against top tight ends, using his 4.52-second 40-yard dash speed to stay step-for-step with them and his 6-foot-1, 225-pound frame to disrupt catches at the line. In a 2023 game against Florida State, he shadowed tight end Ja’Khi Douglas for the entire game, limiting him to 2 catches for 18 yards and breaking up 2 passes. His ability to read quarterbacks and anticipate routes also sets him apart; he recorded 2 interceptions last season by jumping short passing lanes—a skill that could help the Bengals generate more turnovers (they ranked 18th in interceptions in 2023). “Pass coverage is where Carter really separates himself,” said Clemson linebackers coach Mike Reed. “He has the instincts of a defensive back but the physicality of a linebacker. That’s a rare combination.”

A defining aspect of Barrett Carter's Skills Evaluated for Fit with the Cincinnati Bengals is his run-defense toughness and ability to shed blockers—another area where the Bengals have room to improve. Cincinnati’s run defense ranked 19th in the NFL last season, allowing 115.6 yards per game, and struggled to stop teams on short-yardage plays (they allowed a 45% conversion rate on third-and-1). Carter’s tape shows he excels in these high-pressure situations. He uses his low center of gravity and strong hands to disengage from offensive linemen, then accelerates to the ball carrier with precision. Against Georgia Tech in 2023, he recorded 12 tackles, 3 for loss, and a sack—including a 关键 stop on fourth-and-1 where he shed a guard’s block and tackled the running back for a 2-yard loss. For the Cincinnati Bengals, this kind of run-stopping ability would complement their defensive line, which already features playmakers like Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson. By plugging Carter into the middle, the Bengals could create a more cohesive run-defense unit, forcing opposing teams to focus on multiple threats instead of just the defensive line. “Run defense starts with the linebackers, and Carter is a guy who can anchor that group,” said Bengals defensive line coach Marion Hobby. “He’s physical, he’s smart, and he knows how to find the ball. That’s exactly what we need.”

Another key skill that makes Carter a fit for the Cincinnati Bengals is his blitzing ability—a tool the Bengals could use to boost their pass rush. Cincinnati’s linebackers recorded just 8 sacks last season, the third-lowest total in the NFL, and often struggled to generate pressure without sending extra defenders. Carter, however, has a knack for timing blitzes and exploiting gaps in the offensive line. At Clemson, he was used as a “blitz specialist” in passing situations, recording 7 sacks over his final two seasons. His speed off the edge and ability to change direction quickly make him a threat to beat offensive tackles and guards alike. In a 2023 game against North Carolina, he blitzed 6 times, recording 2 sacks and 3 quarterback hits by using a mix of speed rushes and spin moves. For the Cincinnati Bengals, adding Carter’s blitzing skills would give Anarumo more flexibility in his pass-rush packages. Instead of relying solely on the defensive line, the Bengals could send Carter on delayed blitzes or edge rushes, creating confusion for opposing quarterbacks. “Blitzing is about timing and anticipation, and Carter has both,” said Anarumo in a recent interview about linebacker needs. “He knows when to attack, and he has the tools to finish. That would be a big addition to our defense.”

A final factor in evaluating Carter’s fit with the Cincinnati Bengals is his leadership and work ethic—traits that align with Cincinnati’s team culture. The Bengals prioritize players who are not only talented but also willing to put in the work to improve and lift up their teammates. At Clemson, Carter was a team captain, known for staying late at practice to work on his technique and mentoring younger linebackers. He also led the team in community service hours, volunteering at local youth football camps and food banks—values that mirror the Bengals’ focus on community engagement. “Leadership isn’t just about talking—it’s about doing,” said Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney. “Barrett leads by example, and he makes everyone around him better. That’s the kind of player who can help a team win championships.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, who have built their core around leaders like Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, Carter’s leadership would help maintain the team’s winning culture. He would not only contribute on the field but also off it, helping to develop the Bengals’ young linebackers and keep the locker room focused.

Wrapping up Barrett Carter's Skills Evaluated for Fit with the Cincinnati Bengals is the overall assessment of his potential impact. Carter’s versatile skill set—pass-coverage agility, run-defense toughness, blitzing prowess—directly addresses the Bengals’ most pressing linebacker needs. His ability to play multiple roles would allow the Bengals to simplify their defensive packages, reduce substitutions, and keep their best players on the field. Additionally, his leadership and work ethic align with the team’s culture, making him a valuable addition both on and off the field. While no prospect is perfect (Carter could improve his tackling consistency in open space), his strengths far outweigh his weaknesses. For the Cincinnati Bengals, who are looking to make another deep playoff run, drafting or signing Carter could be the missing piece that elevates their defense to elite status. As one Bengals executive put it: “Carter isn’t just a good player—he’s a player who makes the whole team better. That’s the kind of fit we’re looking for.”