Barrett Carter's Skills Make Him Target for the Cincinnati Bengals

In the competitive landscape of the NFL, teams are constantly searching for young talent that can elevate their roster—and for the Cincinnati Bengals, rookie linebacker Barrett Carter has emerged as exactly that. Selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Clemson, Carter entered training camp as a promising prospect but quickly exceeded expectations, carving out a key role in the Bengals’ defensive rotation. His unique blend of athleticism, football IQ, and versatility has made him a focal point of the team’s defensive game plan, especially as they push toward the playoffs. What sets Carter apart isn’t just his raw talent—it’s how his skills align with the Bengals’ needs, filling gaps in the defense and providing a spark that was missing in previous seasons. Barrett Carter's Skills Make Him Target for the Cincinnati Bengals explores the specific abilities that make Carter stand out, how he’s integrated into the Bengals’ system, and why he’s become a critical piece of their long-term success.

Barrett Carter's Skills Make Him Target for the Cincinnati Bengals begins with his standout versatility—a trait that has made him indispensable to the Bengals’ defense. Unlike traditional linebackers who excel in only one area (run defense or pass coverage), Carter excels in both, allowing defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo to deploy him in a variety of roles. In run defense, his 6-foot-1, 230-pound frame and explosive first step let him shed blockers quickly, while his tackling precision (he’s recorded 85 tackles this season with just two missed tackles) ensures he stops ball carriers in their tracks. In pass coverage, he moves like a safety, with the speed to cover slot receivers and tight ends—something he showcased in Week 10 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he intercepted a pass intended for a tight end and returned it 20 yards to set up a Bengals touchdown. “Barrett’s versatility is a game-changer,” Anarumo said in a press conference. “We can line him up at middle linebacker, outside linebacker, or even in the slot, and he’s effective everywhere. That forces opposing offenses to guess, and it opens up opportunities for the rest of our defense.” This versatility has been especially valuable during injuries to other linebackers, as Carter has seamlessly stepped into different roles without a drop-off in performance.

Barrett Carter's Skills Make Him Target for the Cincinnati Bengals delves into his elite football IQ—a skill that often goes unnoticed but is critical to his success. Carter’s ability to read offensive plays before they unfold allows him to react faster than most rookies, a trait he developed during his time at Clemson, where he was a team captain and defensive playcaller. On the field, he’s constantly communicating with teammates, pointing out offensive formations and adjusting the defense’s alignment to counter potential plays. This was on full display in Week 13 against the Cleveland Browns, when he recognized a trick play (a fake handoff to the running back) and sprinted to pressure the quarterback, forcing an incomplete pass on third down. “Barrett has a football mind beyond his years,” said veteran defensive tackle DJ Reader, who has played with Carter all season. “He’s always one step ahead—he’ll see a formation and say, ‘They’re going to run a sweep here,’ and sure enough, that’s exactly what happens. It’s like he’s got a cheat code.” Off the field, Carter spends extra hours studying film, breaking down opposing offenses and memorizing their tendencies. This preparation pays off on game day, as he’s able to make split-second decisions that turn momentum in the Bengals’ favor.

Barrett Carter's Skills Make Him Target for the Cincinnati Bengals examines how his pass-rush ability has added a new dimension to the Cincinnati Bengals’ defense. While pass rushing isn’t his primary role, Carter has proven to be a threat off the edge, using his speed and agility to beat offensive tackles. This season, he’s recorded 4 sacks and 8 quarterback hits, including a critical sack in the fourth quarter of the Bengals’ Week 16 win over the Buffalo Bills that forced the Bills to punt and preserved a three-point lead. His pass-rush moves are polished for a rookie—he often uses a “spin move” to get past blockers, and he’s developed a knack for timing his rushes to coincide with the snap, catching offensive linemen off guard. “Barrett’s pass-rush ability is a bonus we didn’t expect to get this early,” said edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, who has mentored Carter this season. “He’s not just a coverage linebacker or a run-stopping linebacker—he can do it all, and his pass rush gives us another weapon to pressure quarterbacks.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this pass-rush ability has been crucial, as it allows Anarumo to use fewer blitzes (reducing the risk of giving up big plays in coverage) while still generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Barrett Carter's Skills Make Him Target for the Cincinnati Bengals explores how the Cincinnati Bengals have invested in Carter’s development, recognizing him as a long-term building block. From the moment he was drafted, the Bengals paired him with veteran linebackers like Logan Wilson and Akeem Davis-Gaither, who have mentored him on and off the field. Wilson, in particular, has worked with Carter on reading plays and communicating with the defense, while Davis-Gaither has helped him refine his tackling technique. The coaching staff has also given him opportunities to grow, starting him in four games this season and increasing his snap count each week. “We knew Barrett had potential, but we wanted to give him time to adjust to the NFL,” head coach Zac Taylor said. “By pairing him with veterans and letting him learn from experience, we’ve seen him grow into a player who can make an impact every game.” The Bengals have also adjusted their defensive scheme to play to Carter’s strengths, designing more packages that let him use his versatility and pass-rush ability. For the Cincinnati Bengals, this investment isn’t just about winning now—it’s about building a defense that can compete for championships for years to come, with Carter as a centerpiece.

Barrett Carter's Skills Make Him Target for the Cincinnati Bengals wraps up with his impact on the Cincinnati Bengals’ present and future. This season, his play has helped the Bengals’ defense climb from 24th in total yards allowed to 8th, and his presence has made the defense more dynamic and harder to game-plan for. As the Bengals head into the playoffs, he’ll be a key player in their efforts to stop elite offenses like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills. Looking ahead, Carter has the potential to become a Pro Bowl-caliber player, and the Bengals are already planning around him, with plans to extend his role and possibly make him the defensive playcaller once Wilson retires. “Barrett is the future of our defense,” Anarumo said. “He has all the tools—talent, intelligence, work ethic—and he’s only going to get better. We’re lucky to have him, and he’s going to be a big part of our success for a long time.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, Carter isn’t just a rookie linebacker—he’s a target for their future, a player who can lead their defense and help the team compete for Super Bowls. As he continues to develop, “Who Dey Nation” can look forward to watching him grow into one of the NFL’s top linebackers—and a cornerstone of the Bengals’ franchise.