Hidden Gems?

The HBCU Showcase and International Pathway Player Pro Day, conducted last week at the Washington Commanders’ practice facility, proved particularly fruitful for a pair of IPP prospects.

Both turned in the kind of show-stopping performances that could prove to be life-changing, catapulting the duo squarely onto the radars of NFL decision makers.

Any team hoping to conceal Uar (pronounced Ooh-are) Bernard or Joshua Weru from inevitable league-wide intrigue were met with a harsh reality: The secret is out.

Bernard, a native of Nigeria, was the star of the show, recording results that can be a struggle to comprehend, relative to his 6-foot-4 1/2, 306-pound frame. For perspective, Bernard – who sports an arm length of 35 3/4″ – scored a 4.63 in the 40-yard dash, while achieving a 39-inch vertical and a 10-foot, 10-inch broad jump. Bernard also logged 31 reps on the bench press.

Javon Gopie, a certified pass rush specialist and NFL consultant, assumes a prominent role with the International Pathway Program, specializing in development. In conversation with Inside The Birds, Gopie offered insight, explaining that scouts discovered Bernard two years ago at a camp, though he didn’t meet the age requirement.

A basketball player growing up, Bernard played both forward and center, he began working out with the understanding that a future opportunity would be imminent.

The loss of Bernard’s father, coupled with the memories of growing up under a modest income that required a mindset to live within means, ignited a motivational desire within Bernard to flip the script and position himself to take care of his family. Perhaps best encapsulating Bernard’s singular focus is what the 21-year-old told Gopie ahead of the eye-popping workout: “Coach, I’m not going back to Nigeria.”

To further illustrate Bernard’s athleticism, Gopie shared with me a brief anecdote from an October pre-testing session in London. Unable to find a pair shoes sizeable enough to house his feet, Bernard resorted to attempting the vertical wearing only socks. He still soared 38 inches.

Bernard, whom Gopie views as an interior 4i at the next level, has been in demand in the ensuring days. He has visits on the docket with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos, with others rolling in.

Bernard, 21, has also drawn interest from the Philadelphia Eagles, who boast the face of the IPP program in All-Pro left tackle Jordan Mailata. According to Gopie, Mailata, an Australian rugby standout who famously joined the Eagles as a seventh-round pick in 2018, has served as a resource for the current group. The ninth-year pro has also frequented the training facility hub, located at X3 Performance & Physical Therapy (Fort Myers, Fla).

The other IPP prospect who emerged from the showcase with an ascending stock would be Weru, a Kenya native and rugby player growing up. Weru, at 6-foot-4, 244 pounds, recorded a 4.45 40-yard dash and posted a 41-inch vertical and 11’2″ broad. Weru, whose arm length measured in at 33 1/4″, also managed 22 reps on the bench press.

Weru profiles as an edge rusher at the next level, and in preparation, would watch film of pro rushers with Gopie practically every other day over the past three months, including Denver’s Nik Bonitto, New York’s Brian Burns, and Philadelphia’s Nolan Smith.

Gopie cited the tenacity stemming from Weru’s rugby background, along with his explosiveness, intelligence and eagerness to learn, as notable positives. The Las Vegas Raiders and Arizona Cardinals have shown early interest, with other teams expected to join the fray. Weru, like Bernard, should be viewed as a Day 3 candidate, appealing to team’s searching for a moldable ball of clay with potential upside in the final rounds.

— Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.