Meet Caden Barnett, the "Vanilla Gorilla" whose athleticism and power are reasons why Chicago Bears fans shoud keep an eye on the team's latest undrafted free agent signing.
The Chicago Bears are continuing to round out their roster after adding seven new players with their 2026 NFL Draft class.
One of the players who stands out, for many reasons, is Wyoming offensive lineman Caden Barnett, whose name on X is "Caden Barnett aka Vanilla Gorilla." The 6-foot-3, 316-pound offensive lineman played his entire college career for the Cowboys.
After playing his first three seasons at right tackle, he transitioned to right guard for his senior year. The three-year starter played in 48 games and allowed 10 sacks and 59 total quarterback pressures in four years.
He has 755 career snaps at right guard and 1,502 snaps at right tackle, according to Pro Football Focus.
Barnett's athletic profile immediately stands out.
When comparing Barnett's testing numbers from his Pro Day to other offensive lineman who participated at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, you can see how the Wyoming product stacks up.
Barnett's 4.55 second 20-yard shuttle would have ranked second, just behind Georgia Tech's Keylan Rutledge (4.54) and in front of new Bears center Logan Jones (4.59).
With a 7.65 second 3-cone drill, Barnett would have finished seventh among all offensive linemen. He's someone who can move in space, showing why he flashed in Wyoming's zone-heavy scheme.
According to the Athletic's Dane Brugler, Barnett was his 16th-ranked guard in the 2026 Draft Class. Here is what Brugler wrote for his takeaway in the BEAST.
"Barnett needs to develop better consistency with his sustain skills, but the mental and physical tools are there for him to grow into being a solid backup — and potentially more. He will appeal to scheme-diverse teams."
When listing some of his strengths in the BEAST, this one stood out.
"Vocal leader (NFL scout: “He hangs out like one of the guys but also holds the room accountable. Has that balance. … (He’s a) tone-setter in that program.”)"
There is plenty to like about Barnett, but just like many prospect, there are areas of his game that he must improve. Here are few of his weaknesses that Brugler highlights in the BEAST.
- Doesn’t always play up to his athleticism, allowing feet to get heavy when adjusting to quickness
- Eager play style leads him to lose balance into engagement
In an interview Barnett did with Sports Illustrated, the Wyoming offensive lineman was asked if he is athletic in space, or powerful in a phone booth? He was asked to choose one, and his answer should resonate with the Bears coaching staff and the fanbase.
"Oh, powerful in a phone booth.Without question. I like to punch somebody in the mouth right off the ball. That’s how I play the game. That’s my style of play.
I always say I was meant to play football in the 1980s or 1990s. That’s the era of football where you could really let it loose (laughs). That’s what I’m meant to do."
The Bears had one of the best offensive lines in football, and guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson were some of the best at their respecitve positions. Behind the two starters are Luke Newman and Jordan McFadden.
This Bears team embraces competition, and Barnett's attitude and play style fits with what this team looks for in their players. He is a UDFA Bears fans should keep an eye on as the offseason training program continues.