Clemson Linebacker Barrett Carter Drafted by Bengals in Fourth Round
Clemson linebacker Barrett Carter became the first player from the program selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, taken by the Cincinnati Bengals with the 119th overall pick in the fourth round.
This marks a rare year for Clemson, as no players from the school were chosen in the first three rounds—something that hadn’t happened since 2009. Carter now joins former Clemson teammate Myles Murphy on the Bengals roster.
Carter had an impressive college career, earning All-America honors twice. He finished with 254 total tackles, including 31.5 for loss, along with 12.5 sacks, 24 pass breakups, three interceptions, and five total forced/recovered fumbles. Over his four seasons, he started 40 of the 52 games he played.
In 2024, Carter was named first-team All-ACC after tallying 84 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, nine pass breakups, and a fumble recovery in 14 games. He was also a finalist for the prestigious Butkus Award, given to the nation’s top linebacker.
Despite being ranked No. 136 on ESPN’s final draft board—second among Clemson prospects behind safety RJ Mickens—Carter was selected first. Mickens, ranked No. 89 overall and among the top 10 safeties, remained undrafted at that point, possibly due to the NFL’s tendency to draft safeties later or convert cornerbacks to the position. Mickens wrapped up his career with 229 tackles and appeared in 60 games, one of just ten players in Clemson history to reach that milestone.
