Barrett Carter Eyed as Future Asset for the Cincinnati Bengals

As the Cincinnati Bengals look to build on their recent playoff success and solidify a long-term contender status, one name has emerged in scouting circles as a potential cornerstone for the future: Barrett Carter. The versatile linebacker, currently making waves in college football, has drawn attention from the Bengals’ front office for his unique blend of athleticism, football IQ, and positional flexibility—traits that align perfectly with the team’s defensive needs. With questions surrounding the longevity of some current linebackers and a desire to upgrade depth in the middle of the defense, Carter represents a forward-thinking addition that could pay dividends for years to come. Barrett Carter Eyed as Future Asset for the Cincinnati Bengals explores why the Bengals are targeting him, how his skills translate to the NFL, and what his potential arrival could mean for the team’s defensive scheme.

Carter’s appeal to the Bengals starts with his versatility—a trait that has become increasingly valuable in modern NFL defenses. At the college level, he has excelled as both an inside and outside linebacker, capable of stopping the run, rushing the passer, and dropping into coverage. His 4.5-second 40-yard dash speed allows him to keep up with tight ends and running backs in the passing game, while his 240-pound frame gives him the strength to take on offensive linemen in the run game. Last season, Carter recorded 95 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, and 3 interceptions—stats that showcase his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. For the Bengals, who often struggle to find linebackers who can handle both run and pass responsibilities, Carter’s all-around game is a perfect fit. “He’s the kind of player who can do it all,” said a Bengals scouting department source. “In our defense, linebackers need to be able to shift between roles, and Barrett does that seamlessly.” Barrett Carter Eyed as Future Asset for the Cincinnati Bengals emphasizes that this versatility isn’t just a bonus—it’s a necessity for the Bengals’ defensive scheme, making Carter a rare and valuable prospect.

Another key reason the Bengals are eyeing Carter is his football IQ and leadership—traits that often separate good NFL players from great ones. Coaches who have worked with Carter praise his ability to read offenses quickly, adjust his positioning on the fly, and communicate with teammates to align the defense. In crunch time last season, he was often the player calling out plays and making sure everyone was in the right spot—a responsibility that few college linebackers take on. This leadership translates directly to the NFL, where defenses face complex schemes and need players who can think on their feet. For the Bengals, who have a young defensive core that includes rising stars like safety Dax Hill, Carter’s ability to lead and mentor could accelerate the group’s development. “Football IQ is something you can’t teach, and Barrett has it in spades,” said a former NFL linebacker who has analyzed Carter’s film. “He doesn’t just make plays—he makes the players around him better.” This intangible value adds another layer to Carter’s appeal, making him more than just a talented athlete but a potential defensive anchor. Barrett Carter Eyed as Future Asset for the Cincinnati Bengals highlights that these mental and leadership qualities are just as important as his physical skills in the Bengals’ evaluation.

The Cincinnati Bengals’ current linebacker situation also makes Carter a timely target. The team’s starting inside linebackers, Logan Wilson and Germaine Pratt, have been solid, but Wilson is entering the final year of his contract, and there are questions about whether he’ll be re-signed given the team’s salary cap constraints. Pratt, while reliable, has struggled at times in coverage—an area where Carter excels. Adding Carter would not only provide insurance if Wilson leaves but also upgrade the position group’s overall athleticism and coverage ability. The Bengals’ defense has often been exposed by pass-catching tight ends and running backs in recent seasons, and Carter’s speed and coverage skills would directly address that weakness. “We need to get faster in the middle of our defense,” Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo said in a recent interview. “Teams are using more spread formations, and we need linebackers who can keep up.” The Cincinnati Bengals also value players who can contribute on special teams early in their careers, and Carter’s athleticism would make him a key contributor in kickoff and punt coverage—something that could help him earn playing time right away. Barrett Carter Eyed as Future Asset for the Cincinnati Bengals shows that the Cincinnati Bengals’ linebacker needs align perfectly with what Carter brings to the table, making him a strategic addition.

Carter’s fit with the Cincinnati Bengals’ defensive scheme is another factor that makes him a top target. The Bengals run a 4-3 defense that requires linebackers to be versatile—able to rush the passer from the edge, drop into zone coverage, and plug gaps in the run game. Carter’s college experience aligns directly with this scheme: he spent time rushing from the edge in pass-rushing packages, dropping into zone coverage in spread formations, and playing inside in base sets. This familiarity would allow him to transition quickly to the NFL, minimizing the learning curve and letting him contribute sooner. The Bengals’ coaching staff has a history of developing college linebackers into NFL contributors—Pratt and Wilson both improved significantly after being drafted—and Carter’s work ethic and ability to absorb coaching would likely accelerate his development. “Our scheme is built for players like Barrett,” Anarumo said. “He has the tools to excel here, and we know how to bring out the best in him.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, drafting a player who fits their scheme so well reduces risk and increases the chances of long-term success. Barrett Carter Eyed as Future Asset for the Cincinnati Bengals underscores that this scheme fit is a major reason the Bengals are so high on Carter.

Experts around the NFL also see Carter as a perfect fit for the Cincinnati Bengals, with many projecting him to be a first or second-round pick in the upcoming draft—well within the range where the Bengals are likely to select. NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah ranks Carter as the top linebacker prospect in the class, praising his “rare combination of speed, strength, and football sense.” He noted that Carter’s skill set is “ideal for teams like the Bengals that need versatile linebackers who can impact every phase of the defense.” Scouts from other teams have also mentioned the Bengals as a potential landing spot, citing their defensive needs and history of drafting playmakers on that side of the ball. For the Cincinnati Bengals, drafting Carter would not only address an immediate need but also add a player who could be a core piece of the defense for the next decade. “He’s the kind of player who can help you win now and build for the future,” said a Bengals front office executive. “That’s the balance we’re trying to strike with every draft pick.” Barrett Carter Eyed as Future Asset for the Cincinnati Bengals concludes that the Cincinnati Bengals’ interest in Barrett Carter is more than just scouting hype—it’s a strategic move to secure a future asset who can elevate their defense, fill key needs, and help the team maintain its status as an AFC contender. If the Bengals can land Carter in the draft, it could be one of the most impactful moves of their offseason.