The draft is the single most important tool for NFL teams to build their roster. That is where most of the superstars are found. However, people inside the league will tell you that champions are often cemented through undrafted free agency. Players from that pool tend to fill out rosters in vital areas, stepping up in crucial moments. The Chicago Bears confirm this like any other team. They don’t win a Super Bowl in 1985 without Jay Hilgenberg, an undrafted center out of Iowa who became a seven-time Pro Bowler. The same was true of the 2006 Bears, who got huge contributions from Rashied Davis and Brendon Ayanbedejo. This is why undrafted free agency draws so much attention each year, and why Caden Barnett should be getting attention.
Most fans probably didn’t react when they first heard the news about the Wyoming guard signing with the team after the draft. That changed quickly when they found out the Bears guaranteed him $277,500 in his contract, which is reportedly the most of any undrafted rookie this year. That tells you two things. The Bears really wanted him and felt his value exceeded his status. When you hear what draft expert Dane Brugler said about Barnett, you start to understand why. He had the guard rated as a 5th round pick.
“Denver Broncos offensive tackle Frank Crum was his mentor at Wyoming…
…Above-average athlete for his size, both off the ball and in space. Bully strength in run game to create movement (wrestling background shows up). Consistently aggressive in everything he does on the field. 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.”)
The Bears have high expectations for Caden Barnett.
Think about this. Last year, the largest guarantee the team handed out to an undrafted free agent was Jahdae Walker, who received $170,000. Walker became a key contributor to the team’s playoff push. Barnett received $107,000 more than Walker did. That should tell you how much head coach Ben Johnson and the staff wanted to get him. He certainly fits their type with versatility, violence, athleticism, and high football character. No way the team hands out that kind of money without a plan for him.
Chicago has two starting guards already with Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney. However, the depth situation behind them is a little more uncertain. Former 6th round pick Luke Newman is the only certain option they have. They also brought back Jordan McFadden. Logan Jones is strictly a center, meaning they need somebody else to fill out the guard position. Barnett can do that while also giving the Bears some flexibility since he played right tackle for two seasond in college before moving inside.
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Barnett certainly brings pedigree.
He allowed only one sack last season despite playing a rather middling offensive system. Beyond that, he is a very good athlete. He earned high marks in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump and short-shuttle drills. Size isn’t a problem either. He’s plenty big enough and has long arms.
| Category | Measurement/Time |
|---|---|
| Height / Weight | 6’4″ / 316 lbs |
| 40-Yard Dash | 5.03 seconds |
| Vertical Jump | 31.0 inches |
| Bench Press | 22 reps |
| Arm Length | 33 3/8 inches |
| 20-Yard Shuttle | 4.55 seconds |
Truth be told, it is difficult to find any justification for why Caden Barnett wasn’t drafted. His tape is solid. He’s big enough, strong enough, and athletic enough. It feels like the only reason he wasn’t picked was because he went to Wyoming, a program that often struggles to get players drafted. Only 15 players in 25 years before this offseason. Just one of them was an offensive lineman.
Ironically, that player was Chase Roullier, who started 63 games in his career. Barnett is both longer and more athletic than he was. Put him in the hands of a coach like Dan Roushar and you start to understand why the Bears paid that kind of money to get him.
