As the college football season is heading toward its finish, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Barrett Carter.

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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Barrett Carter

Barrett Carter (LB – Clemson)

6’1″ – 230 lbs.

Background:

Four-star recruit who rotated into the defense for 183 snaps as a freshman, recording 16 tackles, then took over a starting job the following year and posted 73-10.5-5.5. Is on pace to finish with a relatively similar stat line this year.

Positives:

Productive two-year starter for a major program. Can line up as the Mike or Will; was shaded over the slot a lot during the 2022 games reviewed. Brings a tough, physical temperament. Plays with effective knee bend and square shoulders when defending the inside run game. Has above-average recognition skills for a true junior. Doesn’t shy away from contact; will step into the hole and take on a blocker to maintain run fits, showing good balance and lower-body strength for his size.

Active with his hands to sift through trash and get to the ball. Has some thudding power to help set the tone defensively, and was a very reliable tackler back in 2022. Has pretty good range to pursue out to the sidelines; not purely a phone-booth run-stuffer. Able to make spot-drops into zone, with sound technique. Sniffs out some underneath routes developing and can plant/drive on a spot effectively. Closes pretty quickly when he has a lane, which can also allow him to serve as an effective spy in the passing game. Occasionally used as an edge rusher.

Negatives:

Can be a bit overly aggressive at times, and would benefit from more consistent patience in run support; commits a bit too early and takes himself out of position. Takes some circuitous routes the ball as he tries to avoid taking on blockers. Could do a better job of locking out opposing blockers with his arms. Not the lengthiest player, and has had significant issues with tackling this year, missing over 22% of his attempts as of the time of writing. Athletic enough to work effectively in zone, but awareness of the players in his area could be a bit better; occasionally too reliant on reading the quarterback’s eyes.

Summary:

A pretty well-rounded, tough linebacker prospect with some positional/schematic versatility, above-average recognition skills, technique, contact balance, and range in the run game, and who moves well in zone coverage. Was probably a bit more reliable last season, but has shown some starting-caliber traits, which will probably allow him to come off the board sometime on the second day. Could sneak into the second round if a team is confident he’ll recover his sophomore-year form.

Projection: Round 2-3