Summary

Barrett Carter was selected in Round 4 (#119 Overall) out of Clemson University. Carter arrived at Clemson as a highly regarded recruit and quickly became a centerpiece of the Tigers’ defense. Over his collegiate career, he has compiled 230+ total tackles, 30+ tackles for loss, 10+ sacks, multiple interceptions, and pass breakups, showcasing three-down impact and positional versatility. He earned First-Team All-ACC honors and was a Butkus Award finalist, consistently ranking among the ACC’s most productive and disruptive linebackers. Carter is widely respected within the program for his leadership, preparation, and competitive edge, serving as a vocal on-field communicator and tone-setter. Coaches and teammates praise his football intelligence, effort level, and accountability, and he has been trusted with coverage responsibilities, pressure packages, and run fits against top competition.

Strengths

• Three-Down Versatility: Effective against the run, in coverage, and as a blitzer. Times pressures well and closes quickly on quarterbacks.

• Instincts & Diagnosis: Reads run-pass quickly and anticipates blocking schemes and route concepts. Plays sideline-to-sideline with urgency and control with a high pursuit rate.

• Coverage Ability: Comfortable matching tight ends and backs; fluid in zone drops. Advanced understanding of defensive structure and spacing.

• Tackling Consistency: Reliable finisher in space and between the tackles.

Weaknesses

• Play Strength vs. Power: Can be challenged by bigger guards climbing to the second level. Occasionally overruns plays while attacking downhill.

• Block Shedding Consistency: Needs continued refinement disengaging from physical blockers. Can play upright at times, limiting leverage in traffic.

• Man Coverage vs. Elite Athletes: Functional but can be stressed by top-tier mismatch players.

• Role Definition at Next Level: Best position (MIKE vs. WILL) may be scheme-dependent. He has the skills and instincts to play the MIKE position but his poor size metrics (3.68 Measurables score)

Outlook

Carter is best suited for modern, multiple-front NFL defenses that value linebackers who can stay on the field in all situations. He fits particularly well in schemes that emphasize coverage versatility, pressure packages, and range, allowing him to impact both the run and pass without being limited to early downs. Pairing Carter with a more physical interior linebacker (like fellow rookie Demetrius Knight Jr.) allows him to maximize his athleticism and playmaking ability in space. Carter has worked hard to earn a starting role in Al Golden’s defense and cause incumbent Logan Wilson to be shipped out to Dallas midseason. His instincts, production, and leadership provide a high floor, while continued development in strength and block-shedding could elevate him into an upper-tier NFL linebacker. At minimum, he profiles as a reliable three-down defender capable of anchoring a defense’s second level and contributing immediately in sub-packages.