Barrett Carter Wasting No Time Turning Heads at Bengals Minicamp with Speed, Intelligence, and Swagger That Screams NFL Ready

Barrett Carter didn’t show up to Bengals minicamp looking to ease into professional football. The former Clemson star linebacker arrived with a clear purpose—to prove he belongs, and to make sure no one in Cincinnati forgets it. Through just a handful of practices, Carter has already begun doing just that. In fact, he’s turned heads in a way that makes it difficult to believe this is his first taste of life in the NFL.

Scouts loved his tape, teammates loved his energy, and coaches loved his football IQ during the pre-draft process. But now, those attributes are showing up in real time against grown men fighting for jobs. The third-round pick didn’t need long to acclimate. His instincts, speed, and natural leadership are already flashing in drills and team sessions, putting him in a position to earn significant playing time as a rookie.

Carter’s first impressions have been loud, and not just because he talks more than your average rookie—though that’s part of it, too. One moment he’s flying across the field to break up a pass, the next he’s helping veterans get lined up pre-snap. His communication is crisp, his reactions are lightning quick, and his pursuit is relentless. Teammates have taken notice. Coaches have taken notice. And anyone watching practice would be hard-pressed to miss him.

What’s impressed defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo the most so far is Carter’s command of the playbook. Rookie linebackers often struggle early with the complexity of NFL defensive schemes, but Carter isn’t showing those growing pains. He’s diagnosing plays, reading quarterbacks, and calling out adjustments like someone who’s been around a few years, not a few days.

“He’s got that rare blend of speed and intelligence,” said Anarumo. “You don’t have to tell him things twice. He sees it, he gets it, and he applies it. That’s a coach’s dream.”

That blend of traits is exactly why the Bengals viewed Carter as a potential steal when they selected him in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. At Clemson, he was a tone-setter—fast, physical, and vocal. He played with the kind of edge you want in the heart of a defense. He also matured into a leader, not just by example but with his voice. That’s carried over to the NFL environment, where Carter isn’t shrinking back or deferring to veterans. He’s embracing the moment.

“I’m not here to be quiet,” Carter said after one practice. “I’m here to learn, compete, and lead. That’s just who I am. I respect the guys who’ve done it longer, but I’m confident in what I bring. And I’m going to bring it every day.”

He’s certainly bringing it in coverage. One of Carter’s strongest traits in college was his ability to stay on the field in all situations. In today’s NFL, linebackers who can’t cover don’t last. Carter’s already showing that he can match up with tight ends and running backs in space, read the quarterback’s eyes, and close windows quickly. He had multiple pass breakups in team drills during the first week of minicamp, and on one particular play, he undercut a short route and nearly picked off a seasoned backup quarterback.

The Bengals have needed that kind of versatility on defense, especially with uncertainty around some of their linebacker depth heading into the season. While Logan Wilson and Germaine Pratt are established starters, Cincinnati has lacked a dynamic third option who can spell them or play beside them in sub-packages. That could very well become Carter’s role—and possibly more if he continues this trajectory.

His effort on special teams is also turning heads, which isn’t surprising given how often rookies earn their stripes there. Special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons praised Carter’s energy and discipline in coverage units, noting that he’s the kind of player who “runs like he’s on fire” and understands leverage. That kind of buy-in speaks volumes about Carter’s character and commitment. He’s not just trying to be seen—he’s trying to help his team win from every angle.

Of course, there’s still a long way to go. Rookie minicamp and OTAs are just the beginning. Pads haven’t come on yet, and the true tests will arrive in August during preseason games and full-contact practices. But in a league where first impressions matter, especially for mid-round rookies, Carter is making sure his doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. He wants coaches thinking about him every time they draw up a defensive plan.

Former Clemson defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin, who helped develop Carter in college, isn’t surprised by how fast his former pupil is adapting. “He’s got the work ethic of a pro already,” Goodwin said. “His preparation was always elite. He studies like a quarterback. He knew not only his job but everyone else’s, and that’s why he played so fast. You’re going to get the same thing in the league. He’ll pick things up quickly, and he’ll be a guy that teammates lean on.”

That’s already becoming reality in Cincinnati, where veterans are beginning to treat Carter less like a new guy and more like a peer. Several teammates have reportedly gone out of their way to tell coaches how impressed they are with his approach. His intensity in the weight room, extra film sessions, and ability to bounce back from tough reps all reinforce what the Bengals hoped they were getting when they called his name on draft night.

And Carter’s ceiling might not be limited to just this season. He has the profile of a future starter—and potentially a star. His explosiveness, instincts, and character make him an ideal fit for a Bengals defense that thrives on chemistry and discipline. If he continues on this path, it’s easy to imagine him taking on a much larger role in year two or even by the end of this season.

Asked what drives him, Carter doesn’t hesitate. “I want to be great. I want to be one of those guys you think about when you talk about linebackers in this league. I know it’s going to take a lot of work. But I’ve never been afraid of that. Work is what got me here.”

That mentality is resonating in Cincinnati. In a locker room filled with playoff experience and Super Bowl aspirations, Carter isn’t viewed as a rookie just trying to survive. He’s seen as a contributor. A difference-maker. And maybe even a spark for a defense that wants to play faster and more aggressively in 2025.

It’s not just the plays he’s making, it’s the way he’s making them—fast, loud, and fearless. Whether it’s tracking a running back out of the backfield, sniffing out a screen, or dissecting a formation before the snap, Carter is operating like someone who doesn’t plan on sitting for long. He’s forcing coaches to consider him every time they think about who gives them the best chance to win.

The Bengals took a calculated risk by waiting until the third round to select a linebacker, but Barrett Carter is already making them look smart. His impact is tangible, his potential is enormous, and his attitude is everything a team could want from a young player. He’s not waiting his turn—he’s taking it.

As minicamp continues and training camp looms, one thing is certain: Barrett Carter is not here to blend in. He’s here to break out. And at this rate, it won’t be long before the rest of the NFL knows exactly who he is.