Nigerian Prospect Uar Bernard Draws Victor Wembanyama Comparisons Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

The 21-year-old defensive tackle has a perfect 10 Relative Athletic Score despite limited football experience.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:19pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the powerful, angular movements of a large, muscular athlete in motion, with vibrant colors and sharp, overlapping planes that deconstruct the figure into an abstract, cubist composition.A cubist interpretation of Nigerian prospect Uar Bernard's freakish athleticism, which has drawn comparisons to NBA star Victor Wembanyama.Washington Today

Uar Bernard, a 21-year-old Nigerian prospect training through the NFL's International Player Pathway program, is generating buzz ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite having limited football experience, Bernard impressed scouts with his freakish athleticism, including a 4.66-second 40-yard dash and a 39-inch vertical jump at 6-foot-5 and 306 pounds. His athletic testing has drawn comparisons to NBA star Victor Wembanyama, and his perfect 10 Relative Athletic Score makes him one of the most athletic defensive tackle prospects in NFL history.

Why it matters

Bernard's emergence as a potential late-round draft pick highlights the NFL's efforts to expand its talent pool globally through programs like the International Player Pathway. His story also showcases the league's continued interest in identifying and developing athletic prospects, even those with limited football experience, who could become impact players at the professional level.

The details

Uar Bernard was discovered while playing basketball in Nigeria and signed with the NFL's International Player Pathway program, which aims to provide international athletes the opportunity to earn a spot on an NFL roster. The 6-foot-5, 306-pound defensive tackle prospect recently impressed scouts at a HBCU showcase, logging a 4.66-second 40-yard dash, a 39-inch vertical jump, and a 10-10 broad jump. His freakish athleticism has drawn comparisons to NBA star Victor Wembanyama, and his perfect 10 Relative Athletic Score makes him one of the most athletic defensive tackle prospects in NFL history.

  • Bernard signed with the NFL's International Player Pathway program a few years ago.
  • Bernard recently participated in a HBCU showcase at the Washington Commanders facility.

The players

Uar Bernard

A 21-year-old Nigerian prospect training through the NFL's International Player Pathway program, who has generated buzz ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft due to his freakish athleticism.

Victor Wembanyama

A star NBA player whose athletic abilities have drawn comparisons to Uar Bernard's.

George Whitfield

A quarterback coach who saw Bernard work out and made the Wembanyama comparison.

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What they’re saying

“It's like watching (Victor Wembanyama). 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.”

— George Whitfield, Quarterback Coach

What’s next

Bernard will continue to train and work to improve his football skills as he looks to be selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, where his freakish athleticism could make him an intriguing late-round prospect for NFL teams.

The takeaway

Uar Bernard's story highlights the NFL's efforts to expand its talent pool globally and the league's continued interest in identifying athletic prospects, even those with limited football experience, who could become impact players at the professional level.