Cincy Jungle
Carter makes plays in the passing game.
After signing two linebackers in free agency, it was unexpected to see the Cincinnati Bengals select two more in the 2025 NFL Draft,
However, Al Golden’s words and Barrett Carter’s film reveal that Demetrius Knight and Carter are two very different types of linebackers.
Golden talked about how to have a major impact on the game, linebackers have to affect at least two of three areas: The running game (early downs), the passing game (third down), and special teams.
Knight is an absolute beast who can stop the run and contribute on special teams, but he has limitations in pass defense.
Carter, on the other hand, is exceptional against the pass and just okay against the run while bringing extensive special teams experience to the table.
To put it simply, Knight is here to replace Germaine Pratt, and Carter is here to replace a combination of Akeem Davis-Gaither and Mike Hilton.
In this clip, Carter is running a blitz/peel technique.
His job is to blitz off the edge, but if the running back releases his direction, he is responsible for covering him man to man.
That is exactly what happens here. The running back runs a wheel route taking him deep along the sideline.
Carter easily matches the route and is in a position to make a play on the ball.
This is a fantastic play and not unique on Carter’s tape.
Now, let’s talk about zone defense.
With linebackers, you are usually happy to see the guy read and break quick enough to make the tackle for no additional yardage. Carter’s film is littered with plays like that, but in this clip, he actually breaks underneath the route and nearly picks it off.
This is an excellent read and a great display of burst. Now the coaches just need to get him on the Jugs Machine so he can finish it off with a pick-six.
This is one of the craziest plays I’ve ever seen.
Clemson is running a double A-gap blitz with a twist. Number 17 crosses the center’s face first, and Carter goes behind him into the opposite A-gap.
The idea is to confuse the protection, but they don’t. The center picks up number 17, and the running back picks up Carter.
In a very uncommon move for a blitzing linebacker, Carter has the awareness to get his hands up and try to deflect the pass. He gets a hand on it, but as it flutters into the air he keeps his eye on it and brings it in for the interception.
This is a stunning display of athleticism, awareness, and effort.
Carter does an incredible job sniffing out the screen during this play.
When he sees the play developing, he sprints across the formation underneath the guard’s block to make the tackle at the line of scrimmage.
Carter is excellent at processing information and deciphering what the other team is trying to do. He has made a lot of...
