Barrett Carter's College Highlights Intrigue the Cincinnati Bengals Scouts

In the lead-up to the NFL Draft, college football film becomes the lifeblood of scouting departments—and few players have generated as much buzz among the Cincinnati Bengals’ scouts as Clemson linebacker Barrett Carter. A three-year starter for the Tigers, Carter has compiled a highlight reel filled with game-changing plays: bone-crunching tackles, timely interceptions, and seamless transitions from run defense to pass coverage. For the Bengals, who have struggled with linebacker depth and versatility on defense, Carter’s highlights aren’t just impressive—they’re a blueprint for addressing key roster needs. Barrett Carter's College Highlights Intrigue the Cincinnati Bengals Scouts explores the specific moments that have caught scouts’ eyes, how his skills align with the Bengals’ defensive scheme, and why he’s emerged as a top target for a team looking to strengthen its defense ahead of the playoffs and beyond.

Barrett Carter's College Highlights Intrigue the Cincinnati Bengals Scouts begins with his versatility— excelling in every phase of linebacker play. Carter isn’t just a “run-stopping linebacker” or a “coverage specialist”; he’s a three-down player who can do it all. One of his most notable highlights came in Clemson’s 2023 game against Florida State: with the Tigers trailing by 7 in the fourth quarter, Carter first stuffed a running back for a 2-yard loss on third-and-1 (halting a Seminoles drive), then later dropped into zone coverage and intercepted a pass, returning it 30 yards to set up Clemson’s game-winning touchdown. “Versatility is the name of the game in the NFL, especially at linebacker,” said a Bengals scout, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Carter can line up on the edge, in the middle, or even in the slot—and he’s effective everywhere. That’s the kind of player who makes a defense more flexible.” His college film shows he’s equally comfortable shedding offensive linemen to tackle running backs, blitzing quarterbacks (he had 7 sacks in 2023), and covering tight ends or slot receivers—skills that directly address the Bengals’ need for a linebacker who can handle multiple roles.

A second highlight that has intrigued Bengals scouts is his tackling precision— avoiding missed tackles that plague NFL defenses. Missed tackles have been a persistent issue for the Bengals, who ranked 18th in the league in missed tackles last season, leading to costly explosive plays. Carter’s college film tells a different story: he recorded a 92% tackle success rate in 2023 (meaning he missed just 8% of his attempted tackles), one of the highest marks among Power 5 linebackers. A standout example came in Clemson’s 2024 game against Miami: with the Hurricanes’ running back breaking free for what looked like a 20-yard gain, Carter chased him down from behind, wrapped up his ankles, and brought him to the ground without losing balance. “Tackling might seem basic, but it’s foundational,” the Bengals scout said. “When you have a linebacker who rarely misses, it eliminates big plays and keeps drives alive for the offense. Carter’s consistency in that area is rare—and it’s exactly what we need to fix our run defense.” For the Bengals, who allow 120 rushing yards per game, Carter’s tackling precision would be a immediate upgrade, reducing the number of second-chance opportunities for opposing offenses.

Barrett Carter's College Highlights Intrigue the Cincinnati Bengals Scouts also includes his football IQ— reading plays and reacting faster than most for the Cincinnati Bengals. Great linebackers don’t just rely on athleticism; they rely on their ability to read offensive formations, anticipate plays, and make split-second decisions. Carter’s highlights are filled with examples of this: in Clemson’s 2023 game against Notre Dame, he recognized a trick play (a wide receiver reverse) before the snap, shifted his position, and tackled the ball carrier for a 5-yard loss. In another game against Georgia Tech, he noticed the offensive line was shifting to block a blitz, so he adjusted his route, slipped through a gap, and sacked the quarterback for a 10-yard loss. “Football IQ can’t be taught—it’s something you either have or you don’t,” said Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, who has reviewed Carter’s film. “Carter sees things before they happen, and that’s a huge advantage in our scheme, which requires linebackers to make quick decisions. He wouldn’t just be a player—he’d be a leader on the field.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, who run a complex defensive scheme that requires linebackers to communicate with the secondary and adjust to pre-snap shifts, Carter’s football IQ would help streamline communication and reduce mistakes—two issues that have plagued the defense this season.

Another highlight that has caught the Bengals’ attention is his clutch performance in high-pressure moments for the Cincinnati Bengals. NFL games are often decided by plays in the fourth quarter or overtime, and Carter has a track record of delivering when it matters most. In Clemson’s 2024 ACC Championship Game against North Carolina, with the score tied 24-24 and 2 minutes left, Carter intercepted a pass at Clemson’s 25-yard line, preventing the Tar Heels from scoring a potential game-winning touchdown. He then returned the interception 15 yards to set up Clemson’s game-winning field goal. “Clutchness is hard to measure, but you know it when you see it,” the Bengals scout said. “Carter doesn’t shrink in big moments—he rises to them. That’s the kind of player you want on your team in the playoffs, when every play counts.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, who have lost four games by 7 points or less this season, adding a clutch player like Carter could be the difference between missing the playoffs and making a deep run. His ability to make game-changing plays in high-pressure situations aligns with the Bengals’ goal of building a defense that can close out close games.

A final highlight that intrigues Bengals scouts is his leadership— setting the tone for Clemson’s defense and translating to the Cincinnati Bengals. Carter wasn’t just a star player for Clemson; he was a team captain, known for his work ethic and ability to motivate his teammates. One behind-the-scenes highlight that scouts noted came during Clemson’s 2023 spring practice: after a young defensive lineman struggled with a drill, Carter pulled him aside, walked him through the technique, and stayed late to practice with him. “Leadership is just as important as talent, especially in a locker room,” Anarumo said. “Carter leads by example—he’s the first to practice, the last to leave, and he holds his teammates accountable. That’s the kind of player who can help change a culture.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, who have a young defense with talent but lacks consistent leadership, Carter’s leadership skills would be a valuable addition. He wouldn’t just contribute on the field—he’d help develop younger players, like rookie linebacker DJ Turner, and keep the defense focused during tough stretches.

Barrett Carter's College Highlights Intrigue the Cincinnati Bengals Scouts wraps up with the fit between Carter and the Bengals’ future plans. The Bengals are in a win-now mode with their offense, led by Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, but their defense needs upgrades to compete for a Super Bowl. Carter’s highlights show he’s ready to contribute immediately, whether as a starter or a key rotational player, and his versatility means he can fill multiple roles as the Bengals adjust their defense. “Carter isn’t just a prospect—he’s a solution to some of our biggest defensive problems,” the Bengals scout said. “His versatility, tackling, football IQ, clutchness, and leadership all align with what we’re looking for. We’d be lucky to have him.” As the NFL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on the Bengals to see if they select Carter—but one thing is clear: his college highlights have already made him a top priority for a team looking to strengthen its defense and make a run at the Super Bowl. Barrett Carter's College Highlights Intrigue the Cincinnati Bengals Scouts ultimately shows that in scouting, it’s not just about raw talent—it’s about finding a player whose skills, mindset, and leadership align with a team’s needs. And for the Bengals, Barrett Carter checks all those boxes.