When it comes to recognizing rare, unrefined talent, sometimes it takes one to know one.
As Philadelphia Eagles international phenom Uar Bernard continues to get acclimated to life on the gridiron, the first-year football player has already left teammate Jordan Mailata - perhaps the most accomplished international player in league history, who also never played a single snap of football before being drafted - absolutely awe-struck.
With general manager Howie Roseman going back to the international well in the seventh round to land Bernard, eight years after striking gold in the seventh with Mailata, it seems Bernard has a very tangible shot at joining Mailata as so much more than just a late-round roll of the dice.
The raw talent is other-worldly, and once the technique is sharpened
Per The Athletic's Zach Berman, Mailata has fast become one of Bernard's biggest fans.
"Uar is a freak. He's also not of this planet. ...He's just freakishly strong, freakishly fast, and I can't even compare him to me, just because he's just, again, not of this world, just by like metrics and numbers-wise."
"You see his effort on the film, once he puts it all together, I think it's a wrap."
In Year 1 as a football player, Bernard has found himself in an ideal landing spot. He not only has sage vets to battle against in practice like Lane Johnson and Mailata, but he also has some of the top defensive linemen to soak up advice from and learn firsthand, like Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Moro Ojomo. The experience, talent level, and backgrounds of each trench veteran will no doubt assist Bernard's development, while defensive line coach Clint Hurtt is one of the best in the game at maximizing talent and refining raw potential.
Having lobbied for Bernard during draft weekend one final time, Hurtt got his guy thanks to Roseman pulling the trigger in the seventh round. Hurtt, of course, personally visited with Bernard prior to draft weekend, quickly recognizing just how vast the upside of the Nigerian-born athlete truly is.
"Developmental guy, but I trust myself, and I believe in the kid," said Hurtt.
With such accomplished voices, including Mailata and Hurtt, echoing equally glowing words about Bernard, it's hard not to visualize the day when the rookie truly announces his arrival.
Read more: Eagles aren't only NFC East team shaking up wide receiver room
It's going to take some time, but once it all comes together for him, look out league.
Add us as a preferred source on Google