The Cincinnati Bengals desperately needed to address their linebacker corps in the 2025 NFL Draft. Enter Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter in rounds two and four, respectively. They both bring unique skills that will benefit the team this season at a position that must be markedly improved if the orange and black are to make a run at a divisional title. Knight is more of the thumper type, and his game ironically resembles that of Germaine Pratt, who could reunite with Lou Anarumo and the Indianapolis Colts. Carter is more rangy and moves well sideline to sideline. Look for veteran Logan Wilson to be paired with Knight on base downs and Carter to be used as a depth piece early in the season. Let’s examine both more closely.
A Closer Look at the Revamped Bengals Linebacker Corps
The Dark Knight
Knight has an inspiring background and story that epitomizes perseverance over six years across three different programs. He would start his career at Georgia Tech and would transfer to Charlotte, where he amassed 96 tackles and earned First-Team All-AAC honors. Knight ended his career in Columbia, where he turned heads at the University of South Carolina, where he was named a team captain and recorded 82 tackles (57 solo) with 8.0 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks. Off the field, Knight would work as a DoorDash driver to support his young family.
The Bengals loved his intangibles and were thrilled that he was available at pick 49, with several needy teams ahead of them. Defensive coordinator Al Golden has spoken glowingly about Knight as a person and player when he stated after the draft, “The first thing that jumps out is his character and his make-up — his ability to become a captain in a short time playing. He was the MVP of one of the best defenses in the country. Again, just like yesterday’s piece is really, really hard to find — a combo D-end, if you will, a guy who can play inside or outside — this guy is hard to find. They just don’t make them this long. He’s played at 240 to 245, he’s got enough length to go to the edge when you want to go to a five-down look, or play some outside backer for you. So, that’s a pivotal piece for us. His Pro Day was excellent. He’s just a competitor. Loved his movement in space. A sudden blitzer. He can spy a quarterback on third down. Gifted in coverage. Again, you’re talking about just shy of 6-2, 33-inch arms, 240 pounds, and just love where he is as a player right now.”
Blossoming Barrett
While Knight seems like a more polished player right now, Carter is the linebacker the Bengals hope will give them an extra jolt if Wilson misses time. Carter also had a decorated collegiate career at Clemson, where he was a Two-time All-America selection credited by the coaching staff with 254 tackles (31.5 for loss), 12.5 sacks, 24 pass breakups, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries in 2,482 career snaps over 52 games (40 starts) from 2021-24.
Carter was solid in his first professional action against the Philadelphia Eagles and showed his quickness on several blitz packages. This trend should continue for the remainder of the preseason as the Bengals continue to evaluate their roster.
Double Trouble
Having an extensive crop of second-team players is a must in the NFL. Injuries mount early and often, with quality snaps being necessary if you are to win games when impactful players miss time. Knight and Carter have huge opportunities in front of them to provide a boost to a Bengals team that has high hopes. Time will soon tell if this duo was worth their draft selections.
Main Photo: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
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