Philadelphia Eagles Select Nigerian Uar Bernard in NFL Draft

In the 2026 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles made a notable selection by picking Nigerian athlete Uar Bernard as the 251st overall pick. Bernard, recognized for his rare athleticism, garnered attention due to his standout performance at an HBCU showcase.

His selection follows the Eagles' previous success with rugby convert Jordan Mailata, who has developed into a key player. The Eagles hope Bernard will similarly transition and excel, potentially working as a defensive tackle or offensive tackle.

The draft also saw the Miami Dolphins selecting British tight end Seydou Traor as the 180th pick, marking him as the first graduate from the NFL Academy to be drafted. Traor, who previously played for the London Warriors, is part of the international player pathway program, which aims to develop talent from outside the United States.

This draft highlights the increasing diversity and international representation in the NFL.