Dec 6, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Germie Bernard (5) scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs during the 2025 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Germie Bernard has been Alabama’s leading pass catcher the past two seasons. Now, the star receiver is looking to prove he can be a top target for a team on Sundays.
After recording 862 yards and seven touchdowns on 64 receptions last season, Bernard enters this weekend’s NFL Scouting Combine projected as a Day 2 selection. He’s currently the No. 10 wide receiver on ESPN analystMel Kiper’s positional rankings. Meanwhile, NFL.com gave him a 6.29 draft grade, labeling him as someone who will eventually be an average starter at the next level.
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This weekend, Benard will look to show he has what it takes to exceed those expectations while proving he belongs closer to the top of this year’s draft class.
“Just the versatility,” Bernard said when asked about what sets him apart from other receivers. “I run routes out of the backfield. I run routes from the slot, the outside. I can make contested catches. I can make explosive plays. I can create explosive plays just by getting a little bubble screen or something like that and taking it to the house. I feel like my run after catch and the versatility is something that separates me from a lot of the other receivers.”
According to Pro Football Focus, Bernard lined up 487 snaps out wide compared to the 308 snaps in the slot last season. He also spent 41 snaps out of the backfield, as Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb took advantage of his versatility by drawing up mismatches.
One of Bernard’s best traits is his ability to make plays with the ball in his hands. Last season, he led Alabama with 394 yards after the catch while averaging 6.2 yards after each reception. According to PFF, he averaged 11.8 yards after the catch on passes behind the line of scrimmage, taking advantage of screens while forcing eight missed tackles on such plays.
“I want to score. I want to make touchdowns. I want to make big plays. That’s something I keep in my mind whenever I touch the ball. Let’s go score. Let’s put some points on the board.”
While Bernard is known for his shiftiness and ability to get past defenders on short and mid-range passes, he is looking to show NFL scouts that his speed can allow him to beat defenders downfield in one-on-one matchups.
“I take pride in making the explosive plays,” Benard said, “being able to have an impact on the team, being able to be the go-to guy.”
On Thursday, former Alabama cornerback Domani Jackson told reporters thathe expects Bernard to surprise scouts with his speed this weekend. Friday, Bernard listed speed as the No. 1 trait he wanted to display during Saturday’s on-field testing.
“A lot of people doubt my speed,” Bernard said, “but they gon’ see tomorrow.”
Bernard said he plans to take part in all of Saturday’s on-field testing events but is unsure if he will participate when the receivers take part in the bench press on Sunday.
Tony Tsoukalas is a staff writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine with more than a dozen years of sports writing experience. Tsoukalas, a graduate of Alabama, has covered the Crimson Tide since 2016, previously working for the Anniston Star, Bama Central and Rivals. He won first place in the 2024 Associated Press Sports Editors contest in the Division D Beat Writing category. Along with team coverage, Tsoukalas provides a weekly column featuring his take on Alabama athletics. Follow him on X at Tony_Tsoukalas