The Cincinnati Bengals selected their second linebacker of a six-pick NFL draft outing in the fourth round with Clemson’s Barrett Carter.
While the linebacker picked before Carter seemed like more of a Germaine Pratt replacement, the former Clemson star feels like he could be a versatile tool all over the field for new coordinator Al Golden.
Here’s what prominent NFL draft experts wrote about Carter before the event.
“A speedy run-and-hit athlete, Carter is one of the best open-field pursuit defenders in this draft class and has genuine sideline-to-sideline range. Though he tracks the ball well, he will run himself into roadblocks and needs to widen his vision and improve his take-on hands to avoid becoming Velcroed to blockers. Overall, Carter plays with the type of pursuit speed that can be weaponized as both a run defender and cover man, although he might be too reactionary and undersized for what some NFL schemes desire. At the very least, he will be lightning on special teams coverages while fighting for footing on the linebacker depth chart.”
“Prototypical three-down linebacker who added muscle mass in 2024 without losing playmaking quickness. Carter overcomes average instincts and recognition with full-field range and elite body control in pursuit, though there is room for improvement with both his angles and leverage. Carter can play around or off the block and has the agility and reaction quickness for sudden adjustments as an open-field tackler. He’s capable in man coverage and stands out as both a blitzer and a spy for mobile quarterbacks. Carter’s demeanor, versatility and athletic profile give him a good chance of becoming a quality starter as a run-and-chase Will linebacker.”
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“Overall, Carter projects as an athletic, versatile, playmaking linebacker whose ideal role would be as a weakside linebacker but who can also play next to a true downhill thumping linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. Playing on the outside/perimeter will allow his natural athletic ability to make plays against both the run and the pass. His versatility is enticing, as he can play as a stack (off-ball) backer, on the edge, or as a slot/overhang defender.”
“Overall, Carter has a chance at becoming a complete backer in the NFL if his ability to stack and shed improves and his instincts against the run become more consistent. Schematically, he’d be a good fit as a “SAM” linebacker with his ability to cover and take on blocks against tight ends.”
“As is, Carter has two primary pathways to success as an NFL defender: first is as a WILL linebacker allowed to simply run and chase the ball. The other is as a coverage specialist early on, where the Clemson defense has groomed him well for a mix of zone and man coverage responsibilities and assignments.”
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