Uar Bernard, a Nigerian defensive lineman in the NFL's International Pathway Program, delivered one of the most impressive workout performances in draft history this week. The 306-pound prospect recorded exceptional measurements and testing results at the HBCU Showcase. Scouts like Lance Zierlein hailed him as an unprecedented athletic specimen.
Uar Bernard weighed in at 6-foot-4.5 and 306 pounds during his pro day at the HBCU Showcase, held at the Washington Commanders' practice facility on Monday. He measured 35 3/5-inch arms, 11-inch hands and an 86-inch wingspan. Bernard clocked a mid-high 4.6-second 40-yard dash, leaped 39 inches vertically and 10 feet 10 inches in the broad jump, while benching 225 pounds 31 times despite his long arms, according to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com. Zierlein tweeted, 'Never seen anything like it,' calling Bernard an 'elite specimen and an absolute creature.' He noted Bernard's rawness but predicted a late seventh-round pick or priority free agent signing due to his traits. Bernard, who grew up in Kano, Nigeria, playing basketball and discovering football through YouTube, joined the International Pathway Program and trained with Jordan Luallen in Florida. Skyler Fulton, head of the program, expressed confidence that Bernard will be drafted. Past IPP success stories include Philadelphia Eagles tackle Jordan Mailata, Detroit Lions starter Giovanni Manu and Buffalo Bills lineman Travis Clayton. The Pittsburgh Steelers, who have shown prior interest in IPP players, hold three seventh-round picks. Bernard's international exempt status would allow a team to stash him on an expanded practice squad as he develops.
