Experts give the Jets solid 2026 NFL Draft grades
Experts Praise Jets' Performance in 2026 NFL Draft with Solid Grades
Cade Barnett, an undrafted free agent guard from Wyoming, is highly rated for his explosive play and wrestling background. He earned all-conference honors after transitioning from right tackle to guard in college.
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Of the Bears’ undrafted free agent signings, the highest-rated on my board is Wyoming offensive lineman Cade Barnett.
A three-year starter at Wyoming, Barnett spent 2023 and 2024 as the Cowboys’ starting right tackle. In 2025, he kicked inside to right guard and earned all-conference recognition for his performance. He was a wrestler in high school, and that shows in his capabilities in the trenches.
Barnett is the No. 305 overall player on my board for the 2026 NFL Draft and is my fourth-best guard prospect who ended up not getting drafted. I’m intrigued by him as a potential fit for the 53-man roster; here are my thoughts on the man nicknamed the “Vanilla Gorilla”.
THE NUMBERS
THREAD: New #Bears G Caden Barnett, aka “the Vanilla Gorilla”, is an intriguing UDFA signing with a genuine chance to crack the 53-man roster.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 26, 2026
I like Caden Barnett best as a guard, but he has 1,502 snaps at right tackle, too. Good versatility.
Here at RT, you see the nastiness. He consistently drives his legs through contact and shows finishing ability on tape. #Bearspic.twitter.com/4V68IhFwuY
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24)
Cade Barnett was a three-year starter at Wyoming, earning all-conference recognition as a right guard in 2025.
Cade Barnett is ranked as the No. 305 overall player and the fourth-best guard prospect among undrafted free agents for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Cade Barnett is nicknamed the 'Vanilla Gorilla' due to his physical play style and wrestling background.
Experts Praise Jets' Performance in 2026 NFL Draft with Solid Grades
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An evil football player with the intention to kill, Caden Barnett was invited to the Shrine Bowl last-minute and shined.
He’s a former HS wrestler, and you see that background in his hands. He wins with leverage getting inside opponents’ chests. #Bearspic.twitter.com/qPfwwzcksN
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 26, 2026
Caden Barnett tested very well athletically, and you see good burst climbing to the second level in the run game.
Additionally, for a guy who’s probably a guard, he has good length. That, along with his accurate strikes, help him win battles. #Bearspic.twitter.com/TFm8lUijeW
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 26, 2026
Here’s Caden Barnett’s RAS card. To no surprise, he tested really well.
He has the athleticism the #Bears like in a draft prospect, and he’s super mean in the trenches. With that profile, he’s a great fit in Chicago. pic.twitter.com/cDD2UVA6Yi
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 26, 2026