As the NFL Draft approaches, teams are scouring the country for the best players to add to their rosters. While many of the top prospects come from powerhouse programs in the Power Five conferences, there is always one player from the Group of Five that catches the eye of scouts. This year, that player is none other than Wyoming Cowboys lineman Caden Barnett, affectionately known as the “Vanilla Gorilla.”
Barnett’s journey to the NFL Draft has been anything but conventional. He wasn’t highly recruited out of high school and ended up at Wyoming, a program that isn’t typically known for producing top prospects. But Barnett didn’t let that deter him. He worked hard and became a standout on the offensive line for the Cowboys.
At Wyoming’s Pro Day, Barnett turned heads with his impressive performance. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing in at 310 pounds, he ran a 5.1 40-yard dash and put up 28 reps on the bench press. But it wasn’t just his measurables that caught the attention of NFL scouts, it was his technique and athleticism on the field that truly impressed.
One scout even went as far as to say, “He was meant to play in the 80s.” This is high praise for any player, especially one from a smaller program like Wyoming. But it speaks volumes to Barnett’s old-school style of play. He is a bruiser on the offensive line, using his size and strength to overpower defenders. But he also has the agility and footwork to keep up with faster pass rushers.
Barnett’s playing style has drawn comparisons to former NFL greats like Larry Allen and Nate Newton. These are players who dominated on the offensive line and helped their teams win Super Bowls. And now, Barnett is being touted as a potential sleeper pick in this year’s draft.
For those unfamiliar with the term, a sleeper pick is a player who isn’t highly touted or expected to be drafted early but has the potential to be a hidden gem for a team. These players often go on to have successful careers and prove that they were overlooked by other teams.
Barnett’s Pro Day performance has certainly put him on the radar of many NFL teams. He has received interest from multiple teams, with some even bringing him in for private workouts. This late surge in his draft stock has caught many by surprise, but not those who have watched him play throughout his college career.
One of the main reasons why Barnett’s stock has risen is his versatility on the offensive line. He has played both guard and tackle positions, showing that he can adapt to different schemes and excel in different roles. This makes him an attractive prospect for teams looking to add depth and flexibility to their offensive line.
But it’s not just his on-field abilities that make Barnett stand out. He is also a leader and a hard worker. He was a team captain at Wyoming and is known for his strong work ethic. He is always looking to improve and is willing to put in the extra work to do so. These are qualities that NFL teams value in their players.
As the NFL Draft approaches, there is no doubt that Caden Barnett’s name will continue to be mentioned among the top offensive linemen in this year’s class. His impressive Pro Day performance has solidified his status as a potential sleeper pick and has put him on the radar of many teams. But no matter where he lands, one thing is for sure – Barnett is a player who is willing to put in the work to succeed at the next level.
In conclusion, Caden Barnett’s journey to the NFL Draft may not have been the most conventional, but it has certainly been an impressive one. From being lightly recruited out of high school to now being considered a potential sleeper pick, he has worked hard to prove himself on and off the field. With his old-school playing style, versatility, and leadership qualities, Barnett has all the makings of a successful NFL player. And come draft day, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him make a big impact for whichever team is lucky enough to draft him.
