For the first time since 2009, when Dorrel Scott went 103rd overall to the St. Louis Rams, Clemson failed to have a played picked in the first three rounds of the 2025 NFL draft. Barrett Carter broke the ice this year, being selected by the Cincinnati Bengals 119th overall.
He was the second linebacker heading to the Queen City. South Carolina LB Demetrius Knight Jr. went in the second round. Ironically, the sworn enemies in college will share a locker room in the pros. The Bengals went with two LBs because they're thin at the position, but that doesn't mean earning playing time will be easy for the former Tiger.
Looking Barret Carter new LB room in Cincinnati
Obviously, Carter will have to battle Knight Jr., but the three linebackers projected to start for Cincinnati are long-time NFL vets. Combined, they have 18 seasons of experience, including 11 with the Bengals.
First is Cincinnati's leading tackler, Germaine Pratt, whose entire career has been with the Bengals. In 2024, Pratt recorded 143 tackles, 80 solo, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and two interceptions on a defense that struggled all season. He's by far the anchor of their defense, or maybe not. In February, Pratt requested a trade that may give Carter room to breathe. However, if he stays, seeing the field may be next to impossible for Carter.
Next to Pratt is five-year vet Logan Wilson. Like Pratt, Wilson has played every season with Cincinnati. He was the team's second-leading tackler with 104, including 55 solo. He also had two fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, and a pass defended in 2024.
Last but not least is Oren Burks. The oldest of the three, Burks started his career with Greenbay before moving to San Fransisco to play two seasons for the 49ers. Lately, he earned some hardware with the Eagles in 2024. Burks has never produced the type of season Wilson or Pratt has, but his experience will undoubtedly make him useful in 2025.
The last potential roadblocks are two Bengals' undrafted free agents. Maema Njongmeta and Shemar Stewart received significant playing time, with Njongmeta playing in 17 games.
How Carter earns playing time
As a Tiger, Barret Carter accumulated 233 tackles, 12.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two interceptions, and 21 pass defections. Where he might stand out is his ability to get to the quarterback, and his pass coverage. For a linebacker, 21 pass deflections in four years is very good.
The Bengals gave up over 4,000 yards through the air in 2024, and gave up 30 touchdowns (fourth-most in the NFL). If Carter can stand out against the pass during OTAs and fall camp, he may find himself playing time early in his career.
