The Philadelphia Eagles selected Nigerian defensive tackle Uar Bernard with the No. 251 overall pick in the NFL Draft, betting on his raw athleticism despite his complete lack of organized football experience.
Astonishing Physical Profile
Bernard, a 21-year-old from a small village in Nigeria, stands 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 306 pounds. He features 11-inch hands, just 6 percent body fat, and a 39-inch vertical jump. His broad jump measured 10 feet 10 inches—14 inches farther than any other defensive tackle at this year’s NFL Combine.
Bernard entered the NFL’s International Player Pathway program after attending football camps in Nigeria. Videos of his workouts recently went viral, showcasing his rare combination of size, speed, and explosiveness.
Training Transformation
Bernard began training with coach Jordan Luallen in mid-January, starting at 295 pounds with 11 percent body fat, a 32-inch vertical, and a 9-foot-4-inch broad jump. By the NFL’s HBCU showcase this month, he had bulked up to 306 pounds, dropped to 6 percent body fat, boosted his vertical to 39 inches, and extended his broad jump to 10 feet 10 inches. He also clocked a 4.63-second 40-yard dash.
Luallen described Bernard as “hands down, the most explosive athlete I’ve ever seen.” He added, “He broad jumped 10-10, and it was effortless. At 306 pounds. I’ve never seen anything like it.” Quarterback coach George Whitfield noted, “The numbers don’t even do him justice.”
Reactions and Aspirations
On stage in Pittsburgh, Bernard celebrated his selection. “It’s a dream come true for me because I’ve worked hard for this,” he stated. “I’ve not played football before, but I’ve gone through some drills that made me believe that I’m going to get better every day. I appreciate God, I thank God for everything. I thank God for life. I thank God for the opportunities given to me to be drafted by the Eagles.”
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman called it a “passion project.” The team spent significant time evaluating Bernard, with Roseman highlighting his unusual traits.
Path to Success
Bernard joins teammate Jordan Mailata, an Australian offensive tackle drafted in the seventh round in 2018 via the same pathway. Mailata earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2024, setting a high bar for international prospects like Bernard.
