Barrett Carter's Draft Buzz Centers on the Cincinnati Bengals

As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, few prospects have been linked to a specific team as consistently as Clemson linebacker Barrett Carter has been to the Cincinnati Bengals. What began as quiet speculation among scouts has evolved into a full-fledged buzz: analysts, fans, and even league insiders are increasingly framing Carter as a “perfect fit” for the Bengals, a prospect whose skill set, leadership, and versatility directly address Cincinnati’s most pressing defensive needs. Barrett Carter's Draft Buzz Centers on the Cincinnati Bengals dives into the reasons behind this connection—from the Bengals’ linebacker depth concerns to Carter’s ability to thrive in Lou Anarumo’s defensive scheme—and explores why this pairing has become one of the most talked-about storylines of the pre-draft cycle. For the Bengals, who are chasing a Super Bowl title with a win-now core, Carter represents more than just a draft pick; he could be the missing piece that elevates their defense to elite status.

Barrett Carter's Draft Buzz Centers on the Cincinnati Bengals begins with the most obvious driver: the Bengals’ urgent need at linebacker. After Germaine Pratt’s potential departure in free agency, Cincinnati’s linebacker corps—led by Logan Wilson—lacks depth and versatility. The Bengals struggled in 2023 against pass-catching running backs and tight ends, allowing 8 touchdowns to tight ends and 4.8 yards per carry to opposing running backs in short-yardage situations. Carter, a three-down linebacker who excels in both run defense and pass coverage, would immediately fill these gaps. “The Bengals need someone who can line up against a tight end like Travis Kelce, stop a running back on third-and-1, and even rush the passer if needed—and that’s exactly what Carter does,” said NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah, who has linked Carter to the Bengals in multiple mock drafts. Carter’s 2023 stats—99 tackles, 6 sacks, 3 interceptions, and 8 pass breakups—show he can impact the game in every phase, a rarity at the linebacker position. This alignment of need and talent is the foundation of the draft buzz, making Carter a logical target for the Bengals with their first-round pick (projected to be in the 15–25 range).

Barrett Carter's Draft Buzz Centers on the Cincinnati Bengals continues with the pre-draft interactions that have fueled speculation, including meetings between Carter and the Bengals’ coaching staff at the NFL Combine and Clemson’s Pro Day. At the Combine, Carter spent over 45 minutes with Anarumo and Bengals linebackers coach James Bettcher, discussing everything from scheme fit to film study habits. “We talked a lot about how they use linebackers in their defense—how they drop into zone, how they blitz, how they communicate with the secondary,” Carter told reporters after the meeting. “It felt like a great fit. They value the same things I do: being versatile, playing smart, and making plays for the team.” The Bengals also sent a contingent to Clemson’s Pro Day, where they watched Carter run drills, participate in position-specific workouts, and meet with team executives. These interactions aren’t just routine—they’re signals that the Bengals are seriously evaluating Carter as a top target. “When a team spends that much time with a prospect, it’s not by accident,” said former Bengals scout Duke Tobin, now an NFL analyst. “The Bengals do their homework, and their interest in Carter tells you he’s high on their board.”

Barrett Carter's Draft Buzz Centers on the Cincinnati Bengals shifts to the fan and media speculation that has amplified the connection, with social media and mock drafts pushing the narrative further. A March 2024 poll on Reddit’s r/Bengals found that 63% of fans want the Bengals to draft Carter with their first-round pick, ahead of offensive line and defensive tackle prospects. Mock drafts from ESPN, NFL.com, and Bleacher Report have all projected Carter to the Bengals, with ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. writing, “Carter is a plug-and-play starter who can contribute immediately for a Bengals team that’s one defensive playmaker away from competing for a title.” Local Cincinnati media has also jumped on the buzz, with The Cincinnati Enquirer running a feature titled “Why Barrett Carter Could Be the Bengals’ Next Great Defensive Star” and WCPO-TV hosting a roundtable discussion on the pairing. For the Cincinnati Bengals, this fan and media excitement isn’t just noise—it’s a reflection of the fan base’s desire to see the team address a critical need with a proven talent. It also puts subtle pressure on the front office to deliver, as fans have already begun envisioning Carter in a Bengals uniform.

Barrett Carter's Draft Buzz Centers on the Cincinnati Bengals delves into how Carter’s playing style fits perfectly into Anarumo’s defensive scheme, a key factor that often gets overlooked in draft discussions. Anarumo’s defense relies on linebackers who can “do it all”: play run defense on early downs, drop into zone coverage on passing downs, and rush the passer in blitz packages. Carter’s film at Clemson shows he’s already mastered these roles: he can stack and shed offensive linemen to stop runs, stay step-for-step with tight ends in coverage, and use his speed (4.45-second 40-yard dash) to rush the edge. In a 2023 game against Florida State, Carter lined up as a middle linebacker, an outside linebacker, and a stand-up rusher—all in the same drive—showcasing the versatility Anarumo covets. “Carter doesn’t need to learn a new position or a new role—he can step in and play any linebacker spot in our defense on day one,” Anarumo told reporters at the Combine. For the Cincinnati Bengals, this scheme fit is invaluable: it means Carter won’t be a “project” who needs time to develop; he’ll be a contributor from Week 1, helping the defense avoid the slow start that plagued them in 2023.

Barrett Carter's Draft Buzz Centers on the Cincinnati Bengals wraps up with the long-term implications of this potential pairing, both for the Bengals’ title hopes and their defensive future. The Bengals’ core—Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Logan Wilson—is in its prime, and the team has just 2–3 years to win a Super Bowl before salary cap pressures could force roster changes. Carter, at 22 years old, would not only help them win now but also become a cornerstone of the defense for years to come, replacing Wilson when he eventually ages or departs. “Carter is the kind of player who can be a leader on defense for the next decade,” said Jeremiah. “He’s young, he’s talented, and he’s already a proven winner—exactly what the Bengals need to build sustained success.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, drafting Carter would also send a message to their fan base and the league: they’re committed to winning a Super Bowl, and they’re willing to invest in the talent needed to get there. As the draft nears, the buzz around Carter and the Bengals will only grow—until finally, on draft night, we’ll find out if this much-discussed pairing becomes a reality. In the end, Barrett Carter's Draft Buzz Centers on the Cincinnati Bengals is a story about perfect alignment: a prospect with the skills a team needs, a team with the opportunity to draft that prospect, and a fan base eager to see it happen. For Who Dey Nation, Carter represents hope—a chance to finally bring a Super Bowl title home to Cincinnati.