The Cincinnati Bengals entered the 2025 NFL Draft with clear wants and excessive expectations.
Whereas the contract state of affairs surrounding first-round choose Shemar Stewart has created an undesirable distraction, the group managed to execute a robust technique that addressed a number of roster wants.
Amongst their picks, fourth-round choose 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 in all probability the perfect cowl linebacker within the draft,” Johnson stated, by way of Dan Hoard. “He can run, change path, and flip his hips.”
The #Bengals open camp in 18 days. I’m counting down with a every day commentary:
Fourth-round choose Barrett Carter seems clean in cross protection.
“He was in all probability the perfect cowl linebacker within the draft,” stated scout Andrew Johnson. “He can run, change path, and flip his hips.” pic.twitter.com/gndI9YPHy6— Dan Hoard (@Dan_Hoard) July 6, 2025
These attributes tackle a obtrusive weak point 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 school 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 modifications following the departures of Germaine Pratt and Akeem Davis-Gaither.
The revamped unit now consists of Logan Wilson, veteran addition Oren Burks, and fellow rookie Demetrius Knight Jr.
Whereas Knight tasks as a possible starter, Carter’s protection talents place him for significant snaps in third-down conditions.
His mid-round choice might show to be considered one of Cincinnati’s smartest strikes.
The publish NFL Scout Gushes About Bengals Rookie appeared first on The Chilly Wire.
