My List of Top 10 Linebackers in 2025 Draft [OP updated]

I've been leery of LB's coming out of Clemson, ever since the Saints selected Stephone Anthony. But I think Barrett Carter has tools and talent to succeed in the NFL. He's been timed with a 4.55/40 which is in the 88% percentile for LB's and has a 40" vertical which is in the 93% percentile for LB's. Here's his college career stats: Played in 38 games over 3 seasons, starting in 26 and amassed 170 tackles, 21 TFL's, 9 sacks, 15 PBU's, 3INT's, 2 FF's, 2 FR's. Those are pretty impressive numbers.

#3- Barrett Carter- (LB) Clemson (6'1"/230#)

Carter has exceptional athleticism with impressive speed, change of direction and burst, allowing him to cover sideline to sideline. He's a versatile defender capable of excelling in run defense, pass coverage and as a blitzer. Carter has strong coverage skills, he's able to match up with TE's and RB's in man coverage. He displays good eye discipline and route recognition in zone coverage. He's an explosive blitzer with the ability to create pressure from multiple alignments. Carter is physical at the point of attack when taking on blocks from TE's. He demonstrates good angle pursuit against outside runs. Carter has a high football IQ with the ability to diagnose plays quickly.
Carter is a little undersized for a traditional linebacker, which can lead to struggles when taking on blocks from O-Linemen. His run defense is still developing, occasionally leading to incorrect gap fits. Carter's tackling technique needs some refinement, he sometimes allows ball carriers to break free. He could improve his leveraging in zone responsibilities in relation to safety help. His ball skills, though good, are at times inconsistent, he struggles at times to locate and make plays on the ball.
Carter projects as a high upside, three-down linebacker in the NFL His sideline to sideline range and coverage skills fit the mold of the modern linebacker. In sub-packages Carter can match-up with TE's and RB's, while his blitzing ability adds another dimension to his game. His instincts in zone coverage and route recognition should translate well to the next level.
However, Carter may face challenges at the point of attack against NFL O-Linemen. His frame and play strength are concerns when it comes to shedding blocks and filling gaps consistently. Coaching will be crucial in refining his run fits and tackling technique. Carter may start his career as a nickel linebacker while he develops the physicality needed for early downs.
Overall, Carter's athletic traits and versatility give him a high ceiling. He profiles as a WLB in a 4-3 or an ILB in a 3-4 scheme. His ability to play in space and attack downhill could make a defensive chess piece. If Carter can bulk up a little bit without losing his explosiveness and improve his stack-and-shed ability, he has the potential to become an impact player and a three-down starter within his first couple of seasons.