Film Room: A clear role for Barrett Carter in Al Golden’s defense

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 plays like this, making it very difficult to run screens against the Tigers defense.

Carter can also affect the passing game in other ways. Here, he does a great job of timing up the blitz and gives himself a clear path to the quarterback.

When the quarterback tries to spin his way out of the pocket, Carter adjusts his path and brings him down for the sack.

Now let’s move on to the run game.

In this clip, Carter makes the correct read and fills the gap without taking any false steps. He plays the ball carrier inside out and makes the tackle for a short gain.

In the previous clip, the stunt by the defensive line resulted in Carter being unblocked. No such luck this time around, but Carter is able to disengage from the offensive tackle and burst in to make the tackle at the line of scrimmage.

This is however against lower competition, and Carter still gets pushed back a bit. This is in part because of his body position and hand placement. Cleaning up this technique and adding strength will make him more effective on the inside.

This is one of those plays where a drill comes to life.

Carter works downhill at an angle, disengaging from the fullback’s block before tracking down the ball carrier on the edge. The runner tries to cut back, but Carter is in a good position and brings him down for a loss.

Carter is an excellent 4-3 outside linebacker with the athleticism and intelligence to make big plays in the pass game. He has the versatility to play on the inside but would benefit from improving his block-destruction.