ClutchPoints
In every NFL offseason, a few rookies emerge unexpectedly, demanding attention. For the Cincinnati Bengals, one such rookie is making serious waves. Fourth-round pick Barrett Carter is quickly turning heads during the Bengals’ 2025 Organized Team Activities (OTAs). He has showcased not only his skill set but also leadership traits that are rare for a first-year player. In a room full of veterans and more highly touted prospects, Carter’s voice, work ethic, and versatility are setting him apart.
Cincinnati entered the 2025 offseason with no shortage of question marks. The front office managed to secure long-term deals for superstar receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. These ensured that Joe Burrow’s primary weapons remain intact. That stability on offense was critical, of course. However, deeper roster concerns remained unresolved. The Bengals’ interior offensive line, for instance, continues to be a glaring weak spot.
On the defensive side, Cincinnati took major swings in both free agency and the draft. The results, though, are far from guaranteed. The team moved on from long-time defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. That added further uncertainty to a unit that already faced turnover. The Bengals invested heavily in their front seven. They drafted Shemar Stewart, Demetrius Knight Jr, and Carter to bolster the group. However, Stewart and Knight Jr had some contract negotiation issues during their recent rookie minicamp. That absence created opportunities for others — and no one has seized the moment more than Carter.
Here we’ll try to look at the Cincinnati Bengals rookie player whose stock is rising and turning heads in 2025 OTAs.
With both of Cincinnati’s top defensive draft picks on the sidelines, Carter has emerged as an unexpected leader among the rookies. Team observers have routinely seen Carter leading drills and being vocal on the field. He has consistently been at the front of every line, taking charge and setting the tone for his peers. That kind of behavior usually comes from seasoned veterans, not fourth-round rookies.
Despite being selected 119th overall, Carter is playing with the confidence of a much higher pick. It seems that, for him, draft status means little. What matters is production, and Carter is putting in the work to earn his place. His leadership has not gone unnoticed by coaches and teammates alike. With each practice rep, he’s reinforcing the message: Carter is here to compete.
Carter’s resume from Clemson speaks for itself. In his senior season, the versatile linebacker tallied 82 total tackles, including 11 tackles for loss. His 3.5 sacks and seven passes defended demonstrate the breadth of his skill set. He can make plays in both the run and pass game. This level of production offered a glimpse into Carter’s NFL potential.
In addition, what makes Carter especially intriguing is his versatility. He’s not just a one-dimensional run stuffer or purely a pass-coverage linebacker. He can contribute in multiple facets of the game. His college tape reflects...
