The Cincinnati Bengals entered the 2025 NFL Draft with clear needs and high expectations.
While the contract situation surrounding first-round pick Shemar Stewart has created an unwanted distraction, the organization managed to execute a strong strategy that addressed multiple roster needs.
Among their selections, fourth-round pick Barrett Carter emerged as an early standout during offseason workouts.
The linebacker impressed coaches and scouts with his coverage skills, generating significant buzz within the organization.
Bengals scout Andrew Johnson has been particularly vocal about Carter’s potential and what he brings to the defense.
“He was probably the best cover linebacker in the draft,” Johnson said, via Dan Hoard. “He can run, change direction, and flip his hips.”
The #Bengals open camp in 18 days. I’m counting down with a daily observation:
Fourth-round pick Barrett Carter appears smooth in pass coverage.
“He was probably the best cover linebacker in the draft,” said scout Andrew Johnson. “He can run, change direction, and flip his hips.” pic.twitter.com/gndI9YPHy6— Dan Hoard (@Dan_Hoard) July 6, 2025
Those attributes address a glaring weakness for Cincinnati’s defense.
The unit allowed 3,799 passing yards and 30 touchdowns last season while ranking near the bottom of the league in coverage efficiency.
Carter’s skill set should provide help in that area.
In 52 college games at Clemson, he recorded 233 combined tackles, 12.5 sacks, 21 passes defended and three interceptions.
Carter joins a Bengals linebacker corps undergoing significant changes following the departures of Germaine Pratt and Akeem Davis-Gaither.
The revamped unit now includes Logan Wilson, veteran addition Oren Burks, and fellow rookie Demetrius Knight Jr.
While Knight projects as a potential starter, Carter’s coverage abilities position him for meaningful snaps in third-down situations.
His mid-round selection could prove to be one of Cincinnati’s smartest moves.
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