Ben Johnson explains why the Bears signed UDFA Caden Barnett
Bears head coach Ben Johnson perfectly summed up why Chicago was so eager to add undrafted rookie Caden Barnett to the roster.
The Chicago Bears made waves with their new rookie draft picks, but there's also one undrafted free agent signing that continues to generate buzz: Former Wyoming offensive lineman Caden Barnett, who was considered a top-two UDFA signing at his position. Barnett, known as the "Vanilla Gorilla," brings a nastiness to the offensive trenches and has the athleticism that Ben Johnson, Ryan Poles and the Bears have coveted this offseason. Barnett also brings versatility to the table, having played both right tackle and right guard during his time at Wyoming.
Head coach Ben Johnson explained what attracted the Bears to Barnett, and it sounds like he could carve out a role for himself along this offensive line. "I think he plays the game the way we want to play it," Johnson said. "So, there's a physical demeanor about him.
Thatโs what stands out first and foremost. I think we got a couple really good offensive line coaches that when we have a guy that has traits like that, that are harder to coach, that you can help clean up the technique and things of that nature. So when the mind's right, I have a lot of confidence in our coaching staff to get the rest of it right.
" Barnett played both right guard and right tackle at Wyoming, making him a versatile option along the offensive line. As for where he'll line up, Johnson said they'll start him at guard but isn't ruling out moving him around. โWeโll probably line him up inside initially, but with all these guys, the best way to make the roster, if you're not going to be a starter, is to showcase versatility.