Barrett Carter's College Highlights Captivate the Cincinnati Bengals

In the lead-up to the NFL Draft, college highlights are more than just highlight reels—they’re windows into a prospect’s potential, and few players have turned heads like Clemson linebacker Barrett Carter. For the Cincinnati Bengals, a team with defensive needs and a history of targeting versatile playmakers, Carter’s film has become must-watch content: his blend of physicality, speed, and football IQ has made him a top target in scouting circles, with every tackle, interception, and pass breakup in his college career reinforcing why he could be a perfect fit in Cincinnati’s defense. Barrett Carter's College Highlights Captivate the Cincinnati Bengals explores how his standout moments at Clemson—from dominant run-stopping to elite pass coverage—have positioned him as a priority prospect for the Bengals, and why his skill set aligns with exactly what the team needs to take its defense to the next level. For Bengals fans and scouts alike, Carter’s highlights aren’t just impressive—they’re a preview of what could be a transformative addition to the roster.

Barrett Carter's College Highlights Captivate the Cincinnati Bengals begins with his elite run-defense skills, a cornerstone of his value at Clemson. Carter’s film is filled with moments that showcase his ability to diagnose plays, shed blocks, and make tackles with precision: in a 2023 game against Florida State, he read a run play before the snap, fought through a offensive lineman’s block, and dropped the running back for a 3-yard loss—all in under two seconds. Another highlight shows him chasing down a ball carrier from the opposite side of the field, using his 4.45-second 40-yard dash speed to close a 10-yard gap and prevent a touchdown. “Carter’s run defense is what separates him from other linebackers,” said a Bengals scout, speaking anonymously. “He doesn’t just make tackles—he makes tackles that stop drives. He’s physical at the point of attack but also has the speed to cover ground, which is rare for a player his size (6’1”, 230 lbs).” This combination of strength and speed has made Carter a force in the middle of Clemson’s defense, and it’s exactly what the Bengals need: Cincinnati ranked 18th in run defense last season, and adding a playmaker like Carter could immediately shore up that unit.

Barrett Carter's College Highlights Captivate the Cincinnati Bengals continues with his underrated pass-coverage skills, a trait that has become increasingly important for NFL linebackers. In today’s pass-heavy league, linebackers who can cover tight ends and running backs are invaluable—and Carter’s film proves he’s one of the best in the country at it. A standout highlight from the 2023 ACC Championship Game shows him lining up against a Miami tight end, staying step-for-step with him on a 20-yard route, and breaking up a pass in the end zone to prevent a touchdown. Another clip features him dropping into zone coverage, reading the quarterback’s eyes, and intercepting a pass that he returned 35 yards to set up a Clemson score. “Carter’s coverage ability is a game-changer,” said former NFL linebacker and ESPN analyst Brian Urlacher. “Most linebackers are either run-stoppers or coverage specialists—Carter is both. He can line up against a tight end, cover a running back out of the backfield, or drop into zone and make plays on the ball. That versatility is exactly what NFL teams are looking for.” For the Bengals, who struggled to cover tight ends last season (allowing 8 touchdowns to the position), Carter’s coverage skills would fill a critical gap, giving defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo more flexibility to design creative schemes.

Barrett Carter's College Highlights Captivate the Cincinnati Bengals shifts to his leadership and football IQ, intangibles that shine through in every highlight. Carter wasn’t just a playmaker at Clemson—he was a captain, and his ability to direct the defense and make adjustments on the fly is evident in his film. In a 2023 game against Notre Dame, he noticed the Fighting Irish were running a trick play, signaled to his teammates to shift their alignment, and then made the tackle to stop the play for a loss. Another highlight shows him calling out a blitz to his defensive line before the snap, resulting in a sack that forced a turnover. “Carter’s football IQ is off the charts,” said Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney. “He’s a student of the game—he watches film, asks questions, and understands how to put his teammates in position to succeed. That’s the kind of leader every defense needs.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, a team with a young defense and a need for veteran-like leadership, Carter’s intangibles are just as valuable as his physical skills. Cincinnati’s linebacking corps has talent—including Logan Wilson and Germaine Pratt—but adding a player with Carter’s football IQ could elevate the entire unit, helping younger players develop and making the defense more consistent overall.

Barrett Carter's College Highlights Captivate the Cincinnati Bengals delves into how his versatility aligns with the Bengals’ defensive scheme, a key reason he’s such a compelling prospect. Anarumo’s defense relies on linebackers who can do it all—play run defense, cover pass catchers, and even rush the passer—and Carter’s film shows he excels in every role. In his college career, he recorded 19 sacks, 3 interceptions, and 12 pass breakups, proving he can contribute in multiple ways. A highlight from 2022 shows him lining up as a edge rusher, beating an offensive tackle with a quick spin move, and sacking the quarterback for a 10-yard loss. Another clip features him dropping into coverage, picking off a pass, and returning it for a touchdown—showcasing his ability to impact the game in different phases. “Carter’s versatility is a perfect match for our scheme,” said the Bengals scout. “We need linebackers who can wear multiple hats, and he does that better than almost any prospect in this draft. He could play middle linebacker, outside linebacker, or even rush the edge in certain packages—he gives us options.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, who often adjust their defense based on opponents, Carter’s ability to play multiple roles would make the team more flexible and harder to game-plan against. It would also allow Anarumo to design more creative blitzes and coverage schemes, leveraging Carter’s skills to create mismatches.

Barrett Carter's College Highlights Captivate the Cincinnati Bengals wraps up with why his film has made him a top priority for the Bengals in the draft, and what he could bring to the team’s future. Cincinnati has long been a team that values college production and proven talent, and Carter’s three years of standout play at Clemson have given the Bengals plenty of film to evaluate—all of it impressive. His highlights show a player who doesn’t just make plays in garbage time; he makes them in critical moments: game-winning tackles, fourth-down stops, and clutch interceptions that change the outcome of games. “Carter is the kind of player who can step in and contribute immediately,” said Urlacher. “He’s not a project—he’s a ready-made NFL linebacker who can make an impact in his rookie season.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, a team with Super Bowl aspirations, adding a player like Carter could be the missing piece on defense. He would shore up the run defense, improve pass coverage, and add leadership to a young unit—all while fitting seamlessly into the team’s scheme. For Bengals fans, Carter’s highlights are more than just a preview of a draft prospect—they’re a glimpse of what could be a transformative addition to the roster, one that helps the team compete for championships for years to come. In the end, Barrett Carter's College Highlights Captivate the Cincinnati Bengals is a story about a prospect who checks every box: talent, versatility, leadership, and fit. For the Bengals, he’s not just a player to watch in the draft—he’s a player who could define the future of their defense.