Barrett Carter's Potential Unleashed in Draft for the Cincinnati Bengals

In the lead-up to the NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals have made it clear they’re prioritizing defensive talent—especially at linebacker, where depth concerns and future contract uncertainties have left a gap in their otherwise competitive unit. Enter Barrett Carter, the Clemson University standout whose blend of versatility, athleticism, and football IQ has made him one of the most sought-after linebacker prospects in this year’s class. For the Bengals, drafting Carter wouldn’t just be a pick to fill a need—it would be an investment in a player whose potential aligns perfectly with their defensive scheme, leadership culture, and long-term championship goals. Barrett Carter's Potential Unleashed in Draft for the Cincinnati Bengals isn’t just about adding a talented rookie; it’s about unlocking a player who can grow into a cornerstone of the defense, complementing stars like D.J. Reader and Logan Wilson while bringing a new level of playmaking to the unit.

Barrett Carter's Potential Unleashed in Draft for the Cincinnati Bengals starts with his standout college career at Clemson, where he proved himself to be one of the most versatile defenders in college football. Over three seasons, Carter played every linebacker position—from middle linebacker to edge rusher—recording 225 total tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, and 5 interceptions. What sets him apart is his ability to excel in every phase of the game: he’s a physical run stopper who can shed blocks and tackle in space, a coverage specialist who can mirror tight ends and slot receivers, and a pass rusher who can generate pressure off the edge. In Clemson’s 2023 ACC Championship win over Florida State, Carter showcased this versatility, recording 10 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 interception while switching between three positions. “Barrett isn’t just a linebacker—he’s a Swiss Army knife for defenses,” said Clemson defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin. His athleticism is equally impressive; he ran a 4.48-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, the fastest time among linebackers this year, and posted a 38-inch vertical jump—numbers that translate to speed and explosiveness on the field. Barrett Carter's Potential Unleashed in Draft for the Cincinnati Bengals because his college tape and combine results prove he has the raw tools to succeed at the NFL level, and the Bengals have a history of developing versatile defensive talents.

Barrett Carter's Potential Unleashed in Draft for the Cincinnati Bengals is further amplified by how well he fits the Bengals’ defensive scheme, which prioritizes flexibility and playmaking. Under defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, the Bengals rely on linebackers who can do more than just tackle—they need players who can drop into coverage, blitz from multiple angles, and communicate adjustments to the secondary. Carter’s college experience aligns perfectly with this: he spent time in Clemson’s “star” position (a hybrid linebacker/safety role), where he was responsible for covering slot receivers and blitzing off the edge—exactly the kind of versatility Anarumo values. For example, the Bengals often use Logan Wilson as a “rover” linebacker, letting him roam between the run and pass phases, but they lack a backup who can replicate that role. Carter could step in immediately as Wilson’s understudy, learning the scheme while contributing on special teams and in sub-packages. As he gains experience, he could even evolve into a starter, either replacing Wilson (if he leaves in free agency) or shifting to a different linebacker spot to keep the unit’s strength intact. “Barrett’s ability to adapt to different roles is exactly what we look for,” Anarumo said in a recent interview. Barrett Carter's Potential Unleashed in Draft for the Cincinnati Bengals because his skill set isn’t just a match for the Bengals’ current needs—it’s a fit for their long-term defensive vision.

Barrett Carter's Potential Unleashed in Draft for the Cincinnati Bengals also addresses a critical team need: linebacker depth, which has been a weak spot for the Bengals in recent seasons. In 2024, the Bengals relied heavily on Wilson and Germaine Pratt as their starting linebackers, but their backups—like Akeem Davis-Gaither and Joe Bachie—lacked the athleticism and playmaking ability to step in for extended periods. If Wilson or Pratt were to get injured, the Bengals’ defense would be vulnerable, especially against teams with dynamic passing attacks (like the Kansas City Chiefs or Buffalo Bills). Carter would immediately upgrade that depth, providing a reliable backup who can contribute in key situations while also growing into a larger role. Beyond immediate depth, he also offers future security: Pratt is set to become a free agent after the 2025 season, and Wilson’s contract will be up soon after. Drafting Carter now would let the Bengals avoid a future crisis at linebacker, giving them time to develop him into a starter instead of scrambling to sign an expensive free agent. The Cincinnati Bengals’ front office has long prioritized drafting for future needs, and Carter fits that strategy perfectly. Barrett Carter's Potential Unleashed in Draft for the Cincinnati Bengals because he’s not just a short-term fix—he’s a long-term solution to a position that has haunted the Bengals for years.

Barrett Carter's Potential Unleashed in Draft for the Cincinnati Bengals would also benefit from the mentorship of the Bengals’ veteran defensive leaders, who have a track record of helping young players develop. Players like D.J. Reader (defensive tackle) and Sam Hubbard (defensive end) have a history of taking rookies under their wing, teaching them the nuances of the NFL and the Bengals’ scheme. For Carter, Wilson would be the ideal mentor: Wilson is a former college standout who transitioned smoothly to the NFL, and he’s known for his work ethic and attention to detail—traits Carter shares. Wilson has already spoken highly of Carter, telling reporters, “He reminds me a lot of myself when I came into the league—athletic, smart, and hungry to learn.” The Bengals’ locker room culture also prioritizes growth; veterans don’t just expect rookies to contribute—they help them get there. For example, Reader hosts weekly film sessions for defensive linemen and linebackers, breaking down plays and sharing tips on how to read offenses. Carter would be invited to those sessions, accelerating his learning curve and helping him adjust to the NFL faster than he would on a team with a less supportive culture. The Cincinnati Bengals’ ability to develop young talent (like DJ Turner II and Myles Murphy) is well-documented, and Carter would be the latest beneficiary. Barrett Carter's Potential Unleashed in Draft for the Cincinnati Bengals because he’d be joining a team that doesn’t just draft talent—they nurture it.

Barrett Carter's Potential Unleashed in Draft for the Cincinnati Bengals finally, has the potential to elevate the entire defense, turning a good unit into a great one. The Bengals already have a strong defensive line (led by Reader and Hubbard) and a improving secondary (with Turner II and Cam Taylor-Britt), but they’ve lacked a playmaking linebacker who can create turnovers and change the momentum of games. Carter would fill that gap: in college, he forced 7 fumbles and intercepted 5 passes, showing a knack for being in the right place at the right time. His speed and athleticism would also let the Bengals be more aggressive on defense—Anarumo could design more blitz packages with Carter rushing from the edge, or use him to cover opposing tight ends (a weakness for the Bengals in 2024). Over time, Carter could even become a defensive captain, following in Wilson’s footsteps and leading the unit with his work ethic and intensity. The Bengals’ goal is to win a Super Bowl, and to do that, they need difference-makers at every position. Carter has the potential to be that difference-maker at linebacker, complementing the team’s existing stars and pushing the defense to new heights. The Cincinnati Bengals’ draft strategy has always been about building a team that can compete for championships year after year, and drafting Carter would be a key step in that process. Barrett Carter's Potential Unleashed in Draft for the Cincinnati Bengals because he’s not just a prospect—he’s a future star who can help the Bengals turn their playoff hopes into a Super Bowl reality.