Barrett Carter's Rise Captures Attention from the Cincinnati Bengals

In the lead-up to the NFL Draft, few prospects have seen their stock rise as quickly as Clemson linebacker Barrett Carter—and among the teams taking notice, the Cincinnati Bengals have emerged as a key suitor. Carter, a versatile defensive playmaker, spent three seasons at Clemson honing his craft, evolving from a rotational contributor to a first-team All-ACC selection and a top linebacker prospect. His combination of speed, physicality, and football IQ has made him a target for teams needing to shore up their defense, and the Bengals—who’ve looked to add depth and athleticism to their linebacker corps—have been closely monitoring his progress. Barrett Carter's Rise Captures Attention from the Cincinnati Bengals explores how Carter’s on-field growth has turned heads in Cincinnati, the skills that make him a fit for the Bengals’ defense, and why his potential addition could boost their playoff hopes.

Carter’s rise began to gain traction during his junior season at Clemson, where he emerged as a do-it-all linebacker capable of impacting every phase of the defense. After playing a supporting role in his first two years, Carter took on a full-time starting role in 2023, leading the Tigers with 107 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, and 3 interceptions. What stood out most was his versatility: he excelled in run defense, using his 6’1”, 230-pound frame to plug gaps and tackle ball carriers behind the line of scrimmage. He also showed prowess in pass coverage, dropping back into zone defenses to break up passes and even blitzing from the edge to pressure quarterbacks. In Clemson’s bowl game against Kentucky, Carter delivered a standout performance: 12 tackles, 2 sacks, and an interception that he returned 45 yards for a touchdown. “Barrett went from a good player to a great one this season,” said Clemson defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin. “He’s not just a tackler—he’s a playmaker who can change the outcome of a game.” This breakout season put Carter on the NFL radar, and the Bengals were among the first teams to send scouts to watch his practices and games. Barrett Carter's Rise Captures Attention from the Cincinnati Bengals notes that Carter’s ability to play multiple linebacker positions has only increased his appeal, as NFL teams value flexibility in modern defenses.

A key reason for Carter’s rising stock—and the Bengals’ interest—is his athletic profile, which aligns perfectly with the speed and physicality required to compete in the AFC North. At Clemson’s pro day, Carter put on a show: he ran a 4.48-second 40-yard dash (faster than most linebackers in this year’s draft class), recorded a 36-inch vertical jump, and completed 22 reps on the bench press. These numbers confirmed what scouts had seen on film: Carter has the speed to chase down running backs from the backside, the strength to shed offensive linemen, and the agility to cover tight ends and slot receivers in space. For the Bengals, who face AFC North rivals like the Baltimore Ravens (with their run-heavy offense) and the Cleveland Browns (with dynamic tight ends), Carter’s athleticism would be a valuable asset. “In our division, you need linebackers who can do it all—stop the run, cover, and blitz,” said Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. “Barrett checks all those boxes. His speed would let him keep up with guys like Mark Andrews [Ravens tight end] and his strength would help against the Browns’ offensive line.” Carter’s athleticism also makes him a fit for the Bengals’ defensive scheme, which relies on linebackers to be versatile and adaptable. Barrett Carter's Rise Captures Attention from the Cincinnati Bengals emphasizes that while stats and film matter, Carter’s pro day performance solidified his status as a top prospect and made the Bengals’ interest even more serious.

For the Cincinnati Bengals, Carter’s skill set directly addresses a key need: upgrading their linebacker corps, which has been a weak spot in recent seasons. The Bengals’ defense has been strong in the secondary and on the defensive line, but their linebackers have struggled with consistency. In 2023, they ranked 25th in the NFL in tackles for loss by linebackers and 22nd in interceptions by the position. They also lacked a true playmaker at linebacker—someone who could generate turnovers and create pressure. Carter would fill that void: his 6 sacks and 3 interceptions last season are numbers that would have led the Bengals’ linebackers in both categories. Additionally, Carter’s ability to play both inside and outside linebacker would give Anarumo more flexibility in his defensive packages. He could line up as a middle linebacker in base defense, then shift to the edge in passing situations to blitz. For the Cincinnati Bengals, who have cap space to spend in free agency but also want to build through the draft, Carter represents a long-term solution at a position that has needed attention for years. “We’ve been looking for a linebacker who can be a difference-maker,” said Bengals general manager Eric DeCosta. “Barrett has that potential. He’s young, he’s talented, and he fits what we’re building on defense.” Barrett Carter's Rise Captures Attention from the Cincinnati Bengals explores how Carter’s arrival could transform the Bengals’ linebacker group from a liability into a strength.

The Cincinnati Bengals’ interest in Carter has also been fueled by his football IQ and leadership—traits that are just as important as physical talent in the NFL. At Clemson, Carter was not only a statistical leader but also a vocal leader in the locker room and on the field. He called plays for the Tigers’ defense, made adjustments at the line of scrimmage, and helped younger players learn the scheme. His coaches and teammates often praised his ability to understand opposing offenses and anticipate plays before they happened. In an interview with NFL Network, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said, “Barrett is a student of the game. He watches more film than any player I’ve had in recent years. He doesn’t just play football—he studies it, which makes him a better player and a better leader.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, who have a mix of veterans and young players on defense, Carter’s leadership would be a welcome addition. He could learn from veteran linebackers like Logan Wilson, then eventually take on a larger leadership role as he gains experience. His football IQ would also help him adapt quickly to the Bengals’ defensive scheme, which is more complex than Clemson’s. “We need players who can pick up our system fast,” Anarumo said. “Barrett’s ability to understand football concepts will let him contribute early, which is something we value.” For the Cincinnati Bengals, Carter’s combination of talent and smarts makes him a rare prospect—one who can make an impact both on and off the field. Barrett Carter's Rise Captures Attention from the Cincinnati Bengals notes that these intangibles have made Carter stand out from other linebacker prospects and have only increased the Bengals’ interest.

Finally, the potential addition of Carter would strengthen the Cincinnati Bengals’ chances of competing for a Super Bowl, as it would give them a more balanced and dangerous defense. The Bengals have been a playoff team in recent years, but their defense has often faltered in key moments—especially in the postseason. Adding a playmaker like Carter would give them a linebacker who can create turnovers, generate pressure, and stop the run—all things they’ve been missing. In the AFC, where teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills have high-powered offenses, the Bengals need a defense that can make stops and change momentum. Carter would help them do that. Additionally, Carter’s youth (he’ll be 22 when he enters the NFL) means he could be a core part of the Bengals’ defense for years to come, pairing with players like defensive end Trey Hendrickson and safety Jessie Bates III to form a dominant unit. For the Cincinnati Bengals, drafting Carter wouldn’t just be a short-term fix—it would be an investment in their future. “We’re building a team that can compete for championships year in and year out,” DeCosta said. “Barrett Carter is the type of player who can help us do that.” As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on the Bengals to see if they use one of their top picks on Carter. Barrett Carter's Rise Captures Attention from the Cincinnati Bengals concludes that Carter’s rise from a rotational player to a top NFL prospect is a testament to his hard work and talent—and his potential to become a key part of the Bengals’ future success makes him one of the most exciting prospects in this year’s draft.