2025 NFL Scouting Report: Barrett Carter

Prospect Summary:

Under Dabo Swinney, Clemson has produced a lot of athletic linebackers for the NFL. Isaiah Simmons was a high first-round pick, and other linebackers have been similar with fast, athletic defenders to patrol the middle of the field. With Simmons and Trenton Simpson moving on to the NFL, Carter replaced them as the Tigers run-and-chase linebacker. He had a strong 2022 season with 73 tackles, 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two interceptions and eight passes broken up. The next season, Carter recorded 62 tackles, five passes batted, and 3.5 sacks. As a senior, Carter had 82 tackles, seven passes broken up, and 3.5 sacks

In pass coverage, Carter is a skilled zone coverage linebacker who does a good job of covering the flat. He shows athleticism in space and is adept at tracking down receivers to make tackles in the open field. Carter moves well in zone coverage and also shows some ability to cover tight ends or backs in man coverage. Carter’s pass coverage is his best strength. Carter showed some blitzing ability in 2024 with 3.5 sacks. He has a burst to close and is athletic to work his way into the backfield.

In the ground game, Carter has room for improvement for the NFL. Carter is not physical, and he will need to work on taking on and shedding blocks. As a run defender, Carter was better in pursuit, tracking down backs to make tackles. Carter has issues defending the inside run, as he can get bounced around and dominated by blockers. There are some ugly plays of him getting destroyed as a run defender. At times, Carter is a drag-down tackler too often, and that needs to be changed with the ability of pro players to pick up yards after contact.

In the 2025 NFL Draft, Carter could be a day-two pick with the ability to turn into a starting Will (weakside) linebacker. However, he is going to need to get better at taking on blocks, holding his ground, shedding blocks, and being a more stout inside-run defender.