49ers reportedly show interest in Nigerian IPP prospect Uar Bernard

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.

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.