Barrett Carter's Potential Draft Pick Excites the Cincinnati Bengals

In the lead-up to the NFL Draft, every team searches for prospects who can fill gaps, boost depth, and align with their long-term vision—and for the Cincinnati Bengals, linebacker Barrett Carter has emerged as a prospect that checks all those boxes. A standout at Clemson University, Carter spent three seasons showcasing his versatility, athleticism, and football IQ, turning heads with his ability to impact both run defense and pass coverage. As the Bengals evaluate their roster needs heading into the draft, Carter’s skill set has made him a top target, especially given the team’s desire to strengthen their linebacker corps and add young talent to a defense that’s already on the rise. The buzz around Carter isn’t just limited to scouts; coaches, front office staff, and even current Bengals players have expressed excitement about the possibility of him joining the team. Barrett Carter's Potential Draft Pick Excites the Cincinnati Bengals explores why Carter has become such a coveted prospect for the Bengals, his fit in their defensive system, and the impact he could have if selected.

Barrett Carter's Potential Draft Pick Excites the Cincinnati Bengals begins with his standout college career at Clemson, which laid the groundwork for his status as a top NFL prospect. Over three seasons, Carter compiled 235 total tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 5 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles—stats that reflect his ability to contribute in every phase of the defense. What stood out most to scouts, however, was his versatility: he lined up at middle linebacker, outside linebacker, and even in the slot, shutting down tight ends and slot receivers with equal ease. In his junior season, he earned First-Team All-ACC honors after leading Clemson with 105 tackles and 4 interceptions, including a game-sealing pick in the ACC Championship Game against Florida State. “Barrett was the heartbeat of our defense,” said Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney. “He’s got the speed to cover, the strength to stop the run, and the IQ to make plays before they happen. He’s exactly the kind of player who can step into the NFL and make an immediate impact.” It’s this combination of production and versatility that has made Carter a top-50 prospect in most draft rankings—and a player the Bengals have closely monitored since his sophomore season.

Barrett Carter's Potential Draft Pick Excites the Cincinnati Bengals delves into how his skill set aligns perfectly with the Bengals’ defensive needs. Entering the draft, the Bengals’ biggest defensive gap was at linebacker, where they lacked depth behind starters Logan Wilson and Akeem Davis-Gaither. Wilson, a Pro Bowler, has been a staple of the defense, but the Bengals needed a young linebacker who could learn from him and eventually replace him when he retires. Carter fits that mold: his ability to play multiple linebacker spots means he can contribute immediately as a rotational player, while his long-term upside makes him a potential starter. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s system relies on linebackers who can cover tight ends and running backs in pass coverage—a skill Carter mastered at Clemson. In 2024, the Bengals allowed the 12th-most yards to tight ends; adding Carter would give Anarumo a weapon to shut down that part of opposing offenses. “We need linebackers who can do it all,” Anarumo said in a pre-draft press conference. “Guys who can stop the run on first down, cover a tight end on second down, and rush the passer on third down. Barrett is that guy. He’s exactly what we’re looking for.” This alignment between Carter’s skills and the Bengals’ needs is a big reason why the team is so excited about the possibility of drafting him.

Barrett Carter's Potential Draft Pick Excites the Cincinnati Bengals examines the Cincinnati Bengals’ pre-draft evaluation process, which has only increased their excitement about Carter. The Bengals’ scouting department spent months studying Carter’s film, attending his pro day, and meeting with him in person to assess his football IQ and character. At his pro day, Carter ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash (faster than most linebackers in the draft), bench-pressed 225 pounds 24 times, and posted a 36-inch vertical jump—athletic numbers that confirmed his physical tools match his on-field production. During his meeting with the Bengals, Carter impressed coaches with his knowledge of their defense, asking detailed questions about Anarumo’s scheme and how he would fit into specific packages. “He didn’t just come in and talk about his stats—he talked about our defense, our players, and how he could help us win,” said Bengals general manager Duke Tobin. “That shows maturity and a willingness to learn, which are things we value highly. He’s not just a talented player—he’s a football student.” The Bengals also checked in with Clemson coaches and teammates, who praised Carter’s work ethic and leadership. One Clemson assistant coach told Bengals scouts, “Barrett is the first one in the weight room and the last one out. He’s a leader by example, and he makes everyone around him better.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this thorough evaluation has only reinforced their belief that Carter is a player who can contribute both on and off the field.

Barrett Carter's Potential Draft Pick Excites the Cincinnati Bengals explores how current Cincinnati Bengals players have voiced their excitement about the possibility of Carter joining the team. Wilson, the Bengals’ starting middle linebacker, has followed Carter’s career at Clemson and has spoken publicly about how he could help the defense. “I’ve watched Barrett play—he’s a special talent,” Wilson said in an interview. “He’s fast, he’s physical, and he knows how to make plays. If he comes here, I’d love to mentor him, show him the ropes, and help him grow. Having him on the field with me would make our defense that much better.” Edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, who has worked with young defensive players in the past, also expressed enthusiasm: “Linebackers who can cover and rush the passer are hard to find. Barrett can do both, which would take pressure off the defensive line. I’m excited to see what he could do in our system.” Even offensive players have taken notice: quarterback Joe Burrow, who values a strong defense, said, “A good defense wins championships. If we can add a player like Barrett, it makes our team better overall. I’m pulling for him to be a Bengal.” This excitement from current players isn’t just lip service—it reflects a belief that Carter can fit into the Bengals’ locker room culture, which prioritizes teamwork and accountability. For the Cincinnati Bengals, having players buy into a prospect before the draft is a good sign that he’ll integrate seamlessly into the team.

Barrett Carter's Potential Draft Pick Excites the Cincinnati Bengals wraps up with the long-term impact Carter could have on the Cincinnati Bengals if selected. In the short term, he would provide much-needed depth at linebacker, allowing the Bengals to rest Wilson and Davis-Gaither more during the regular season and stay fresh for the playoffs. In the long term, he has the potential to become a Pro Bowl-caliber player and a cornerstone of the defense, joining players like Hendrickson and defensive tackle DJ Reader to form a dominant unit. The Bengals’ goal is to win a Super Bowl, and adding a talent like Carter would bring them one step closer to that goal. “We’re building a team that can compete for championships year after year,” Tobin said. “Barrett is the kind of player who can help us do that. He’s young, he’s talented, and he’s got the right mindset. We’re excited about the possibility of him being part of our future.” For “Who Dey Nation,” the excitement around Carter is also about hope—hope that the Bengals can continue to build on their recent success and bring a Super Bowl title to Cincinnati. If the Bengals draft Carter, he won’t just be a new player—he’ll be a symbol of the team’s commitment to winning. As the draft approaches, all eyes are on the Bengals, waiting to see if they’ll select the prospect who could help define their defense for years to come.