germie bernard
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Alabama WR Germie Bernard.
The Las Vegas Raiders were able to scoop up Jalen Nailor in free agency, but that doesn’t totally solve the need at wide receiver. There is some exciting young talent in the room, but the team is expected to add to the position in the draft.
The Raiders could go in many directions in the second round. The No. 1 pick is likely going to be used on quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Las Vegas could still use a cornerback, an offensive guard, an offensive tackle or a defensive tackle.
However, a wide receiver could be in play with the No. 36 pick. The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner projected the Raiders to select Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard in the second round.
“I’ve loved the fit between a Mendoza-led Raiders offense and Bernard for a while now,” Baumgardner wrote. “Bernard is one of the most quarterback-friendly receivers in the 2026 draft class and would help provide an immediate safety net to develop alongside Mendoza. The Alabama pass catcher is a savvy, quick and dependable route runner who would complement Brock Bowers very well.”
Bernard Compared to Robert Woods
Bernard, a Las Vegas native, had a productive last two years at Alabama, combining for 114 receptions and 1,656 receiving yards. In Lance Zierlein’s draft profile for NFL.com, he praised Bernard’s route running and run-after-catch ability.
“Bernard is a versatile wideout with ascending production over the last three years,” Zierlein wrote. “He has good size, accelerates to top speed quickly and is a smooth route runner with well-disguised breaks and clean footwork getting in and out. He can line up outside or in the slot and is capable of running a full route tree across all three levels. He has impressive run-after-catch ability. Bernard’s second gear as a field-stretcher is fairly ordinary, and he doesn’t always play to his size when it’s time to compete for catch space. Bernard projects as an above-average WR2/3.”
Raiders Also Add Tackle in Mock Draft
With the Raiders going wide receiver in the second round of Baumgardner’s mock draft, it could make sense to use their next pick on the defensive side of the ball.
However, Baumgardner likes the idea of the Raiders taking Florida offensive tackle Austin Barber.
“If the Raiders still had Baltimore’s first-round pick, they’d be able to solve their quarterback, tackle and wide receiver needs with their first three selections in this draft,” Baumgardner wrote. “As it stands, I’m not sure that’ll be possible without more movement. In this scenario, the Raiders select Florida OT Austin Barber at No. 67 — which might be a slight reach. Barber is probably a top-100 prospect, but I’m not sure it’s a lock. He’s an outstanding run blocker who was overly inconsistent in pass protection throughout his college career.”
The Raiders do have DJ Glaze and Charles Grant to compete for the starting right tackle job, but it’s not a bad idea to bring in more competition there. That said, the need for another guard is much bigger. Unless the Raiders really like Barber, there are other positions they should address before tackle in the draft.