Barrett Carter's Draft Stock Rises in Eyes of the Cincinnati Bengals

For the Cincinnati Bengals, the 2025 NFL Draft represents a critical opportunity to address longstanding needs on defense—particularly at linebacker, where injuries and inconsistent play have left a gap in recent seasons. Among the prospects rising fastest on their scouting board is Barrett Carter, a versatile linebacker from Clemson University whose blend of athleticism, tackling precision, and coverage skills has made him a standout in college football. What began as casual interest from the Bengals’ scouting department early in the 2024 college season has evolved into intense focus: Bengals coaches and front office staff have attended nearly a dozen of Carter’s games, conducted private workouts with him, and even hosted him for a top-30 visit to Paycor Stadium. As the draft nears, Carter’s stock isn’t just rising league-wide—it’s soaring in the eyes of a Bengals team that sees him as a potential long-term solution to their defensive woes. Barrett Carter's Draft Stock Rises in Eyes of the Cincinnati Bengals explores the reasons behind this interest, the skills that make him a fit for Cincinnati, and how he could impact the Bengals’ defense from day one.

Barrett Carter's Draft Stock Rises in Eyes of the Cincinnati Bengals begins with his standout 2024 college season, which served as a showcase for the skills the Bengals covet most. As a senior at Clemson, Carter recorded 112 tackles (16 for loss), 7 sacks, 3 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles—stats that reflect his ability to impact every phase of the game. What stood out to Bengals scouts, however, wasn’t just the numbers—it was how he produced them. In a November game against Florida State, Carter single-handedly changed the momentum: he sacked quarterback Jordan Travis on third down to force a punt, intercepted a pass in the end zone to stop a scoring drive, and later tackled running back Trey Benson for a 5-yard loss on fourth-and-1. It was the kind of all-around performance that aligns with the Bengals’ need for a “three-down linebacker”—someone who can stop the run, rush the passer, and cover tight ends or running backs in the passing game. “Barrett’s tape from last season is impressive because he does everything well,” said a Bengals scouting director who spoke on condition of anonymity. “He’s not just a run-stopper or a pass-rusher—he’s a complete player. That’s exactly what we need to fix our linebacker corps.”

Barrett Carter's Draft Stock Rises in Eyes of the Cincinnati Bengals shifts to the specific positional fit that makes him so appealing to the Bengals: his ability to play both middle linebacker and weakside linebacker, filling two of Cincinnati’s most pressing needs. The Bengals have struggled at middle linebacker since Logan Wilson suffered a season-ending injury in 2024, and their weakside linebackers have combined for just 3 sacks and 1 interception all season. Carter, who played both positions at Clemson, has the versatility to step into either role immediately. His 4.51-second 40-yard dash speed (faster than 85% of NFL linebackers in 2024) allows him to cover tight ends like the Ravens’ Mark Andrews or the Steelers’ Pat Freiermuth—something the Bengals’ current linebackers struggle to do. His strength (22 bench press reps at the NFL Combine) makes him effective against the run, and his football IQ (he called Clemson’s defensive plays in 2024) means he can quickly learn the Bengals’ scheme. “Versatility is key for us,” said Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. “We need guys who can play multiple positions, especially on defense. Barrett can do that, and he can do it at a high level. That’s rare for a linebacker prospect, and it’s why he’s so high on our board.”

Barrett Carter's Draft Stock Rises in Eyes of the Cincinnati Bengals delves into the Bengals’ hands-on evaluation process, which has only strengthened their interest in Carter. In March, Bengals linebackers coach James Bettcher traveled to Clemson for a private workout, where Carter ran through position-specific drills: covering running backs in one-on-ones, rushing the passer off the edge, and reading offensive plays in a simulated scrimmage. According to Bettcher, Carter’s performance exceeded expectations—he made every tackle cleanly, didn’t miss a coverage assignment, and even offered insights into how he would adjust to different offensive schemes. Later that month, Carter visited Paycor Stadium, where he met with Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, watched film with Anarumo, and toured the team’s facilities. The visit wasn’t just a formality; it was a chance for the Bengals to assess Carter’s character and work ethic—traits they prioritize highly. “We don’t just draft talent; we draft people,” Taylor said in a recent press conference. “Barrett checks every box: he’s a hard worker, a leader, and he’s hungry to win. Those are the kinds of players we want in our locker room.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, this personal connection has only elevated Carter’s stock, as they see him as someone who can contribute not just on the field, but in the team’s culture.

Barrett Carter's Draft Stock Rises in Eyes of the Cincinnati Bengals explores how Carter would complement the Bengals’ existing defensive stars, creating a more balanced and dangerous unit. With defensive ends Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard leading the pass rush, and safety Jessie Bates III anchoring the secondary, the Bengals’ defense is 只差 one piece to become elite: a playmaking linebacker. Carter would fill that gap perfectly. His ability to rush the passer would take pressure off Hendrickson and Hubbard, allowing them to focus on opposing tackles instead of being double-teamed. His coverage skills would let Anarumo use more exotic blitz packages, as Carter could cover tight ends or running backs while other defenders rush the quarterback. In a division with dynamic offenses like the Baltimore Ravens (who rely on Lamar Jackson’s scrambling) and the Cleveland Browns (who feature a strong running game), Carter’s versatility would be a game-changer. “Adding Barrett to our defense would make us better across the board,” said Bates. “He’s the kind of player who makes everyone around him better. I’ve watched his tape, and I can already see how he’d fit in—he’d be a difference-maker for us.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, pairing Carter with their existing talent isn’t just a dream; it’s a realistic path to becoming a top-10 defense in the NFL.

Barrett Carter's Draft Stock Rises in Eyes of the Cincinnati Bengals wraps up with the draft outlook for Carter and what his selection would mean for the Bengals’ future. The Bengals hold the 18th overall pick in the first round, and most mock drafts project Carter to be available at that spot—though his rising stock could force them to consider trading up if another team targets him. If the Bengals select Carter, it would signal their commitment to fixing the defense and building a sustainable contender around quarterback Joe Burrow. It would also give them a player who can contribute immediately, whether as a starter or a key rotational piece, and grow with the team for years to come. For Carter, joining the Bengals would mean playing for a team with Super Bowl aspirations, in a division that challenges him every week, and alongside players who share his drive to win. “I’ve talked to a lot of teams, but the Bengals feel different,” Carter said in a recent interview. “They’ve shown me a clear path to contribute, and their defense is a place where I can make an impact. That’s all I want—to win, and to help my team win.” As the draft approaches, one thing is clear: Barrett Carter’s stock isn’t just rising in the NFL—it’s rising fastest in the eyes of the Cincinnati Bengals, a team that sees him as the missing piece to their championship puzzle.