Rarely does a player from the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program draw any semblance of significant interest ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
However, one prospect from Nigeria is breaking the mold — and for good reason.
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That prospect is Uar Bernard.
Bernard garners serious hype after he displayed both his physique and athleticism at this week’s NFL HBCU showcase.
According to Bruce Feldman of The Athletic, Bernard stands 6-4 and weighs 306 pounds, but looks much lighter.
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Bernard is absolutely jacked and sports just six percent body fat on his frame, which looks like it was built in a lab.
The Nigerian-born defensive lineman posted a 39-inch vertical and a 10-10 broad jump. In fact, it was 14 inches better than any other DL at the showcase.
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As if all that wasn’t impressive enough, Bernard runs a 4.63 40-yard dash. To put that in perspective, Nebraska running back and draft prospect Emmett Johnson ran a 4.56.
“Hands down, he is the most explosive athlete I’ve ever seen in my life,” Bernard’s trainer, Jordan Luallen, said to Feldman. “He broad jumped 10-10, and it was effortless. At 306 pounds. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“It’s like watching [Victor Wembanyama],” quarterback coach George Whitfield stated. “The numbers don’t even do him justice. He’s 6-5, 310, and he’s got 6 percent body fat on him. NBA players don’t have 6 percent body fat on them.”
Uar Bernard’s draft projection
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Green Bay Packers alumni welcome fans to the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Green Bay Packers alumni welcome fans to the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field – Tork Mason / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
It’s usually the case that players from the league’s international program go undrafted, with guys like Philadelphia Eagles tackle Jordan Mailata and Washington Commanders defensive end Efe Obada breaking among those who have gotten picked.
But the head of the IPP program, Skyler Fulton, who said Bernard “has been crazy to watch,” believes Bernard could be a Day 3 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
“He was very naturally gifted when he walked in, but he made substantial improvement on everything,” he said. “He’s super freakin’ flexible, and he is way more fluid now.”
While Bernard is the more notable of the two, fellow IPP defensive lineman Josh Weru could also be drafted.
Bernard played basketball in his country before being told by a coach that he should get into football, so he began taking part in camps in Africa before finding his way into the NFL’s international program.
Now, it isn’t a question of if he’ll get into the NFL, but how.