The #Bengals open camp in 18 days. I’m counting down with a daily observation:
Fourth-round pick Barrett Carter appears smooth in pass coverage.
“He was probably the best cover linebacker in the draft,” said scout Andrew Johnson. “He can run, change direction, and flip his hips.” pic.twitter.com/gndI9YPHy6

— Dan Hoard (@Dan_Hoard) July 6, 2025

A solid trip to the NFL draft for the Cincinnati Bengals faded into the background due to the contract standoff with first-round pick Shemar Stewart. 

But as a whole, the Bengals still think they came away with big improvements after nabbing guys near the top of their board at each of their selections. 

Fourth-round linebacker Barrett Carter is a great example.

Scout Andrew Johnson told Bengals broadcaster Dan Hoard the following about Carter: “He was probably the best cover linebacker in the draft. He can run, change direction, and flip his hips.”

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Carter’s skill in coverage wasn’t a secret going into the draft itself. Now, his talent arrives in Cincinnati at an interesting time as the Bengals look to recoup after the loss of Akeem Davis-Gaither. 

It’s one part of remaking the linebacker room this offseason. Carter brings versatility and subpackage utility. Second-rounder Demetrius Knight Jr. can step in next to Logan Wilson with Germaine Pratt gone and free-agent add Oren Burks adds more veteran snaps and versatility, too. 

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