Eagles’ Uar Bernard gamble has become a national talking point

Then, the numbers hit the social media timeline. The buzz only grew louder.

Uar Bernard's profile demands attention.

Bernard stands just under 6-foot-5 and tips the scales at 306 pounds. He already fits the mold physically, but it’s the athletic testing that stops people in their tracks.

A 39-inch vertical... A 10-foot-10 broad jump that outpaced every other defensive tackle at the HBCU Showcase by a wide margin. A 4.63-second 40-yard dash. Add in elite body composition, and you’re looking at a profile that simply doesn’t show up often.

One has to comb through tons of athletic talent to find a physical comparison, but if you're patient enough to do so, you'll find one of the best pass rushers in the history of our great game.

The Eagles drafted Nigerian prospect Uar Bernard who is basically built like Myles Garrett 2.0 💪

He has played 0 snaps of football in his life...#NFLDraftpic.twitter.com/yyp0mJ13a9

— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) April 25, 2026

Now, those are traits you can’t teach. They’re also the reason why this pick feels like something special is happening. It also feels familiar. Philadelphia has taken this kind of swing before. They selected Jordan Mailata through the International Player Pathway Program that produced Uar Bernard.

Bernard's addition to the Eagles is more than just a moment.

The Eagles are betting on raw ability and the coaching acumen of Clint Hurtt. Maialata paid off in a big way. Can lightning strike twice with Bernard?

Saying this conversation has gone international is no exaggeration. It was expected that this would be discussed in Philadelphia, but it's also being discussed everywhere else.

The Eagles drafted an absolute unicorn in Round 7 🦄🦅

Barrett Brooks breaks down what the Birds could be getting in Uar Bernard as part of the International Player Pathway program. pic.twitter.com/JZe7KFYClO

— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) April 26, 2026

"Some of the freakiest numbers that you will see."@dpbrugler on the Philadelphia Eagles drafting Uar Bernard from the International Player Pathway Program pic.twitter.com/Z4RT9Pu4re

— The Athletic Football Show (@TA_FootballShow) April 25, 2026

"This guy is just built different"💪

Manti is excited to see DT Uar Bernard join the @Eagles | #FlyEaglesFlypic.twitter.com/NwWY7PmrUe

— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) April 27, 2026

Of course, the attention is only the beginning. Bernard is still a project. His football journey is young, and there will be a learning curve as he adjusts to the speed and complexity of the NFL, but that’s part of the appeal. There’s room to grow, room to be molded, and room to surprise. That’s why the reaction has been so strong.

This isn’t just about what Bernard is today. It’s about what he could become, and judging by the way the football world has responded, plenty of people are ready to find out.

Of course, the attention is only the beginning. Bernard is still a project. His football journey is young. There will be a learning curve as he adjusts to the speed and complexity of the NFL, but that’s part of the appeal. There’s room to grow, room to be molded, and room to surprise.

That’s why the reaction has been so strong. This isn’t just about what Bernard is today. It’s about what he could become, and judging by the way the football world has responded, plenty of people are ready to find out. Now, the Eagles are hoping history isn’t just a great indicator. They're hoping it repeats.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles’ Uar Bernard gamble has become a national talking point