Throughout this past decade, Clemson has sent numerous players who have performed in the NFL on the defensive side of the ball. With Clemson usually ending up as one of the top defenses in all of College Football, it is easy to see why with great defensive players. Barrett Carter is looking to continue the trend of Clemson defensive players getting drafted.
Barrett Carter was a top recruit coming out of North Gwinnett, Georgia committing to Clemson before his senior season. Garnering 2nd team All-ACC honors last year, Barrett had 62 tackles with 37 of them being solo, 9.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 1 interception, and 6 pass deflections.
This year so far, Barrett has 38 tackles with 16 of them being solo, 7 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and 2 pass deflections.
PLAYER INFO
Name: Barrett Carter
Jersey: 0
Position: LB
Class: Senior
School: Clemson
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 230
STRENGTHS
Barrett is a 3 down linebacker. He is versatile, lining up both outside covering a tight end or slot receiver, and inside. He has great athleticism, able to change direction in a quick second. He has good speed, able to track the ball carrier and take him down. His athleticism also helps him line up in coverage, not getting beat by receivers. He has a high football IQ, as he is the one calling the plays on defense and helping the defense make adjustments. He is physical at the point of attack. He has great instincts, which help him in zone coverage recognizing routes.
WEAKNESSES
There are not many flaws in Carter’s game. However, he is still figuring out being a run defender as he sometimes takes incorrect gap fits. He can struggle getting his hands off offensive linemen. He needs to tweak his tackling technique, as he tends to resort to ankle tackle. While he is good in coverage, his ball skills are questionable as he has a hard time locating the football.
DRAFT PROJECTION
I see Barrett Carter as a Day 2 pick, mainly in the second half of the 2nd round. This isn’t a strong linebacker class but Carter is just a solid football player who will be an asset for teams in the future. His versatility helps him, as he can line up as a SAM linebacker in a 3-4 or inside in the 4-3.
Some team fits:
- Carolina Panthers: The Panthers just need solid playmakers on both sides of the ball. Carter can come in and while growing for the Panthers, be an effective coverage LB against TE’s, which the Panthers has to deal with Cade Otton and Kyle Pitts twice a year.
- Washington Commanders: While the Commanders defense is solid at best, they might need a LB to replace if Bobby Wagner leaves. Carter can come in, and Dan Quinn will love coaching him for his high IQ and physicality.
- Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles drafted Jeremiah Trotter Jr and Will Shipley last year so Howie Roseman could very much look at Clemson again for Carter. LB is going to be need, and if Zack Baun leaves after this season, might as well look at Carter.
There are a couple other teams (Houston, Arizona, Green Bay) that I can see taking a look at Carter but those are the main teams I see being fits for Carter.
