Why overlooked target Uar Bernard could be 2026 NFL Draft's hidden gem

There's a good chance you haven't heard of the player long-time NFL Draft trainer Jordan Luallen describes as the "most explosive athlete I've ever seen in my life. " The man in question is Uar Bernard, a 21-year-old Nigerian defensive tackle who is currently a prospect in the NFL's International Player Program . Unlike many potential draft picks, Bernard has never played a down of college football.

But his measurements and numbers at the recent HBCU Showcase demonstrate why NFL teams are starting to take an interest in him. Bernard is 6-foot-4 and 306 pounds, with 11-inch hand, 36-inch arms, and just six percent body fat. He recorded a 39-inch vertical jump and a 10 foot, 10 inch broad jump – over a foot further than any player at his position at the NFL Scouting Combine.

He also runs the 40-yard dash in an astonishing time for his size, clocking in at 4. 63 seconds. This is the biggest freak athlete in this year’s NFL draft.

I’d never heard of him till two days ago. He’s from a small village in Nigeria. He is 6-4 1/2, 306 lbs and jumps 10-10.