Barrett Carter's Draft Buzz Grows Around the Cincinnati Bengals

As the NFL Draft approaches, one name has emerged as a frequent link to the Cincinnati Bengals: Clemson linebacker Barrett Carter. A versatile and athletic defender, Carter has risen up draft boards with a standout senior season, drawing praise from scouts for his ability to stop the run, rush the passer, and cover tight ends. For the Bengals, who have gaps to fill in their linebacking corps and a need to strengthen their defensive depth, Carter represents a potential fit that could address multiple needs in one pick. The growing buzz around this pairing isn’t just speculation—it’s rooted in Carter’s skill set, the Bengals’ roster needs, and the team’s history of targeting high-impact defensive players in the draft. Barrett Carter's Draft Buzz Grows Around the Cincinnati Bengals explores Carter’s college production, his positional versatility, why he fits the Bengals’ defense, draft expert projections, and the potential impact of his arrival in Cincinnati.

Barrett Carter's Draft Buzz Grows Around the Cincinnati Bengals starts with a look at Carter’s standout career at Clemson, which laid the groundwork for his rising draft stock. Over four seasons, he recorded 252 total tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 5 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles—establishing himself as a do-it-all linebacker. His senior year was particularly impressive: he tallied 83 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, and 2 interceptions, earning first-team All-ACC honors and a spot in the Senior Bowl. What sets Carter apart is his consistency across all phases of defense: he’s equally effective shedding blocks to stop running backs, blitzing off the edge to pressure quarterbacks, and dropping into coverage to blanket tight ends or slot receivers. “Barrett is the kind of linebacker every defense wants,” said Clemson defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin. “He has the size (6-foot-1, 230 pounds), speed, and football IQ to impact every play. He never takes a down off, and he makes everyone around him better.” For NFL teams like the Bengals, this well-rounded production makes Carter a low-risk, high-reward prospect with immediate starter potential.

Barrett Carter's Draft Buzz Grows Around the Cincinnati Bengals delves into Carter’s positional versatility—a key trait that aligns with the Bengals’ defensive scheme. Unlike traditional linebackers who excel in only one area, Carter can line up as an inside linebacker in base sets, shift to edge rusher in passing downs, or even drop into the slot as a coverage defender. This flexibility is a perfect match for the Bengals’ defense, which relies on its linebackers to handle multiple roles. Under defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, the Bengals often use their linebackers to blitz, cover, and support the run—depending on the down and distance. Carter’s ability to excel in all these areas would let Anarumo design more creative packages, keeping opposing offenses off balance. For example, Carter could replace Germaine Pratt as the starting inside linebacker in base sets, then shift to edge rusher to complement Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard in passing situations. “Versatility is the name of the game in modern NFL defenses,” said former NFL linebacker and draft analyst Kirk Morrison. “Barrett can do things that few other linebackers in this draft can, and that makes him a perfect fit for teams like the Bengals who value flexibility.”

Barrett Carter's Draft Buzz Grows Around the Cincinnati Bengals covers why the Bengals’ current roster needs make Carter such an attractive target. Cincinnati’s linebacking corps has been a question mark in recent seasons: Pratt is set to become a free agent, and backups like Akeem Davis-Gaither and Joe Bachie have been inconsistent. The Bengals also need more pass-rush help opposite Hendrickson, as Hubbard has dealt with injuries and Joseph Ossai is still developing. Carter could address both needs: he can step in as a starter at inside linebacker immediately, while also contributing 5-7 sacks per season as a situational edge rusher. His coverage skills would also help the Bengals defend against tight ends—a area where they struggled last season, allowing 8.2 yards per reception to opposing tight ends (ranking 22nd in the NFL). “The Bengals have a championship-caliber defense, but linebacker is the one spot where they could use an upgrade,” said NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah. “Barrett Carter would not only fill that spot—he would elevate the entire unit. He’s the kind of player who can make a defense go from good to great.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, drafting Carter would be a proactive move to shore up a position of need while adding a player who can contribute for years to come.

Another layer of Barrett Carter's Draft Buzz Grows Around the Cincinnati Bengals is the support from draft experts, who have increasingly linked Carter to the Bengals in recent mock drafts. Most projections have Carter being selected in the late first or early second round—right around the Bengals’ current draft position (28th overall in the first round). Jeremiah, in his latest mock draft, has the Bengals taking Carter with the 28th pick, writing: “Cincinnati needs to reinforce its linebacking corps, and Carter’s versatility fits perfectly with Lou Anarumo’s scheme. He’ll be an immediate contributor on defense and special teams.” ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. also sees the fit, noting that Carter’s “ability to play multiple spots makes him a ideal pick for the Bengals, who value players who can adapt to different roles.” Even local analysts have jumped on board: Cincinnati Enquirer Bengals beat writer Kelsey Conway wrote that “Carter checks every box for what the Bengals look for in a defensive prospect—production, versatility, and high character. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him in stripes next season.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this widespread support from experts adds credibility to the buzz, suggesting that the pairing isn’t just fan wishful thinking but a strategic fit.

Barrett Carter's Draft Buzz Grows Around the Cincinnati Bengals closes with the potential impact Carter could have on the Bengals’ defense and their Super Bowl aspirations. If drafted, Carter would join a defensive unit that already includes stars like Hendrickson, cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt, and safety Jessie Bates III—immediately making the Bengals’ defense one of the most talented in the NFL. His ability to stop the run would help the Bengals improve on their 18th-ranked rushing defense, while his pass-rush and coverage skills would make them more dangerous in passing downs. Beyond on-field production, Carter’s leadership and work ethic would also be a boon: he was a team captain at Clemson and is known for his dedication to film study and offseason training. “Adding a player like Barrett Carter would be a game-changer for us,” said a Bengals team source, speaking on condition of anonymity. “He’s the kind of player who can help us get over the hump and win a Super Bowl. He fits our culture, our scheme, and our needs perfectly.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, the growing buzz around Barrett Carter isn’t just about a potential draft pick—it’s about taking another step toward building a championship-caliber team. As the draft nears, all eyes will be on Cincinnati to see if they turn this buzz into reality.