The Cincinnati Bengals entered the 2025 NFL Draft with clear wants and excessive expectations.
Whereas the contract scenario surrounding first-round decide Shemar Stewart has created an undesirable distraction, the group managed to execute a robust technique that addressed a number of roster wants.
Amongst their choices, fourth-round decide Barrett Carter emerged as an early standout throughout offseason exercises.
The linebacker impressed coaches and scouts along with his protection abilities, producing vital buzz inside the group.
Bengals scout Andrew Johnson has been notably vocal about Carter’s potential and what he brings to the protection.
“He was most likely the most effective cowl linebacker within the draft,” Johnson mentioned, by way of Dan Hoard. “He can run, change course, and flip his hips.”
The #Bengals open camp in 18 days. I’m counting down with a each day statement:
Fourth-round decide Barrett Carter seems clean in go protection.
“He was most likely the most effective cowl linebacker within the draft,” mentioned scout Andrew Johnson. “He can run, change course, and flip his hips.” pic.twitter.com/gndI9YPHy6— Dan Hoard (@Dan_Hoard) July 6, 2025
These attributes handle a obtrusive weak spot for Cincinnati’s protection.
The unit allowed 3,799 passing yards and 30 touchdowns final season whereas rating close to the underside of the league in protection effectivity.
Carter’s talent set ought to present assist in that space.
In 52 faculty video games at Clemson, he recorded 233 mixed tackles, 12.5 sacks, 21 passes defended and three interceptions.
Carter joins a Bengals linebacker corps present process vital adjustments following the departures of Germaine Pratt and Akeem Davis-Gaither.
The revamped unit now contains Logan Wilson, veteran addition Oren Burks, and fellow rookie Demetrius Knight Jr.
Whereas Knight initiatives as a possible starter, Carter’s protection skills place him for significant snaps in third-down conditions.
His mid-round choice might show to be certainly one of Cincinnati’s smartest strikes.
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