Overview
- Head coach Ben Johnson praised Barnett’s tough, physical play and said that is the trait the staff wants to build on.
- Johnson said the team will start Barnett at guard and could test him at center to boost his value as a reserve lineman.
- The Bears gave Barnett a $277,500 deal with a $30,000 signing bonus, a guarantee level that signals real interest for a rookie free agent.
- Barnett played right guard and right tackle at Wyoming, earned second-team All–Mountain West honors, and drew a late-round grade from draft analyst Dane Brugler.
- Rookie minicamp and training camp will decide if he sticks as a backup option on the 53-man roster, despite early buzz and the “Vanilla Gorilla” nickname.