Film study: New Bears UDFA Caden Barnett a nasty, explosive guard

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

• Height: 6’4”
• Weight: 316 pounds
• RAS: 9.54
• 2025 PFSN OL Impact Score: 79.2 (3rd for Mountain West guards)
• 2025 sacks allowed: 1
• Career blocking snaps: 2,275
• Reps at right tackle: 1,502
• Reps at right guard: 755
• List of accomplishments: 2025 second-team All-Mountain West

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)