According to Ryan Fowler, the San Francisco 49ers are among several NFL teams showing legitimate interest in hosting International Player Pathway (IPP) prospect Uar Bernard, a defensive lineman from Nigeria. The team is considering hosting the player for a visit.
On top of having visits scheduled with the Broncos and Colts, as reported by @bylucaevans, the following teams have expressed legitimate interest in hosting IPP DL prospect Uar Bernard (Nigeria) for a visit, although not yet scheduled, per sources:
• 49ers
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) April 4, 2026
• Eagles
• Chiefs…
Bernard's path to football is unconventional. He was discovered playing basketball in Nigeria just three years ago before joining the NFL's IPP program. Despite having no collegiate football experience, he has quickly generated buzz thanks to his elite athletic profile.
The defensive lineman, who measured close to 6-foot-5 and 306 pounds, gained national attention at the HBCU Showcase, where he recorded a 39-inch vertical jump and a 4.63-second 40-yard dash—impressive numbers for a player of his size.
According to Polymarket Sports, Bernard also posted a 10-foot-10-inch broad jump, a mark that would have led all defensive tackles at the NFL Scouting Combine.
21 y/o Nigerian prospect, Uar Bernard, is going viral for his freakish athletic testing at the HBCU Showcase:
Height - 6-4½
Weight - 306 lbs
Body Fat - 6%
Vertical - 39 inches
Broad Jump - 10'10" (14 inches longer than any other DT)
40 time - 4.63Best combine numbers since… pic.twitter.com/8ZpTsRCvoI
— Polymarket Sports (@PolymarketSport) April 3, 2026
The 49ers are expected to continue addressing their defensive front in the 2026 NFL Draft, but may prioritize edge rusher help after trading for veteran defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa.
San Francisco invested in the interior defensive line during last year's draft, selecting Alfred Collins and CJ West. However, the team could still look to add depth and upside through a developmental prospect like Bernard, whose athletic traits make him an intriguing long-term project.
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