Uar Bernard is gaining attention as one of the most interesting late-round talents in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Nigerian defensive lineman’s rare athletic profile sets him apart from most prospects in the pool, and multiple NFL teams have already begun to take notice of his potential.
Bernard grew up in Abuja, Nigeria, and did not begin playing sports until discovering basketball at age 16. Just three years ago, he was spotted on the basketball court and, despite having no college football experience, has rapidly developed into a legitimate NFL prospect.
Bernard’s popularity is increasing after he worked out in front of scouts at a recent HBCU showcase and International Player Pathway (IPP) Pro Day at the Washington Commanders’ facility on March 30. Bernard measured in at 6-foot-4 1/2 and 306 pounds, with 11-inch hands and nearly 36-inch arms.
Uar Bernard Secures Colts, Broncos Meetings After Monster Workout
According to The Denver Post’s Luca Evans, the Denver Broncos are set to host Bernard for a top-30 visit next week, as confirmed by his trainer, Javon Gopie. Bernard is also expected to meet with the Indianapolis Colts before making that trip to Denver.
While a specific date for the Colts’ visit has not yet been finalized, Gopie indicated that it will take place within the next two weeks. Interest in Bernard is far from limited to those two teams, as NFL insider Ryan Fowler reported that the San Francisco 49ers are among several franchises considering bringing him in for a visit.
In addition, teams such as the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs have expressed interest in evaluating the defensive line prospect. Following the showcase, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler mentioned that Bernard was one of the IPP participants consistently coming up in conversations with scouts.
Even more phenomenal were Bernard’s testing numbers: a 4.63-second 40-yard dash, a 39-inch vertical leap, and a 10-foot-10 broad jump. His broad jump exceeded that of every defensive tackle at this year’s NFL Combine by 14 inches, proving just how rare his athletic profile truly is.
Bernard’s athleticism has drawn heavy praise from evaluators, with some even making comparisons to elite players. Quarterback coach George Whitfield compared Bernard’s rare physical traits to those of Victor Wembanyama.
“It’s like watching (Victor Wembanyama),” Whitfield told Bruce Feldman. “The numbers don’t even do him justice. He’s 6-5, 310, and he’s got 6% body fat. NBA players don’t have 6% body fat on them.”
The NFL’s roster and practice squad rules offer Bernard a unique opportunity to transition from an international prospect to a fully developed player. Each team is allowed to designate a 17th practice squad spot specifically for international players.
This rule is designed to help global talent adjust to the professional game while giving franchises a low-risk way to invest in raw but promising athletes. For Bernard, this means that even without extensive college football experience, a team could bring him onto its practice squad and gradually integrate him into its schemes and techniques over multiple seasons.
