Clemson Tigers linebacker Barrett Carter has been known as one of the nation’s best LBs since his breakout 2022 campaign. His effectively high-octane play style has led many fans to believe he’s a prime prospect in the upcoming draft. Here is a 2025 NFL Draft Early Scouting Report and film analysis on him.
Overview, Film Analysis, and Early 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report of Clemson LB Barrett Carter
Measurables:
- 6’1
- 230 lbs
Player Background:
Barrett Carter graduated from North Gwinnett as a non-consensus five-star, the 18th-ranked 2021 HS Recruit, and the second-best linebacker. He made an instant impact in his first collegiate season, accumulating 26 tackles and one tackle-for-loss in 12 games. However, his sophomore season with Clemson was where his career truly took off. Carter’s 77 tackles (10.5 for loss), 5.5 sacks, eight pass breakups, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles elevated his status into a nationally known star.
His breakout season landed him on numerous award lists, finishing the campaign with an All-Bowl selection in the Orange Bowl. He posted similar numbers in 2023 with 67 tackles, 9.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, six PBUs, and an interception. His momentum and strong play have continued just past midway in 2024. His box score numbers have taken a step back, but his impact on the Tigers’ defense has remained high.
Accolades:
- 4th Team Phil Steele All-American (2022)
- First Team All-ACC (2022)
- PFF All-Bowl Team (2022)
- Second Team All-ACC (2023)
- AP All-Bowl Team (2023)
- Sports Illustrated Midseason All-American (2024)
Strengths/Pros:
If there’s one thing Barrett Carter can do at an elite level, it’s covering all types of assignments. He covers an absurd amount of ground and can work at all levels and in any area on the field. His speed and agility let his presence be felt wherever the play is run and make quarterbacks think twice about every short passing decision. That skill is accentuated by his knowledge of how to sell quick movements that force QBs to account for him on plays he’s not even involved in.
He’s also a proficient north-south mover who can limit the underneath game easily. Carter diagnoses run plays early and often and works himself into a position to stop them. As a pass rusher, he flies through gaps and fills holes faster than most linemen can react. His stats speak for themselves, and his tape reflects his consistent sack production.
Weaknesses/Cons:
The biggest area Carter needs to address in his skillset is his basic strength. He struggles often with shedding blocks and finishing well-positioned hits. Exponentially increasing his basic strength would make him a much more effective tackler, an improvement he desperately needs. His base is choppy in the open field and is routinely unable to finish tackles. His hits don’t have enough force behind them to leave an impact, and his open-field contain is lackluster.
Carter also needs to broaden his awareness when shooting gaps, getting chip-blocked and legally blindsided far too often. In coverage, his main issue is a persistent jerkiness that will occasionally get him off-balance and out of position.
Potential Team Fits:
NFL Projection:
Barrett Carter is an odd case as far as the NFL goes because of the wide range of outcomes he could produce. His coverage abilities are incredibly impressive, but his power and forcefulness could be a liability. As it stands, Carter might not be complete enough to develop into a LB1 but could be a fantastic LB2. Allowing him to be a coverage and pass rush specialist in the right system could lead to him becoming a special player.
Prospect Grade:
- Early 3rd Round to Mid 3rd Round
Film Exposures:
- 2024 vs. Georgia
- 2023 vs. Notre Dame
- 2023 vs. North Carolina
Main Image: Melina Myers – USA Today Sports
