Overview
- The Eagles, who selected the Nigerian defensive lineman No. 251 on Saturday, framed the move as an unusual late-round bet with long-term upside.
- Bernard has never played organized American football and will begin learning at rookie minicamp, with a practice-squad start possible as he develops.
- General manager Howie Roseman said the team spent significant time evaluating him, and defensive line coach Clint Hurtt conducted an in-person workout.
- The International Player Pathway recruit tested off the charts at the HBCU Showcase and IPP Pro Day with a 4.63 40-yard dash, a 39-inch vertical and a 10-foot-10 broad jump at 306 pounds.
- Philadelphia cites the Jordan Mailata blueprint and has also brought in other IPP talent such as Kenyan lineman Joshua Weru, signaling a broader push to grow international prospects.