The Minnesota Vikings cleared up their quarterback question this week, signing Kyler Murray to a one-year contract and putting him on track for summer competition against J.J. McCarthy, though most expect Murray to prevail. But that isn’t the only Vikings unsolved mystery.
Free agency answered the quarterback question, but several bigger questions still hover over the roster.
After the first few days of NFL free agency, Minnesota still has some big-ticket items to clear up.
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Minnesota’s Next Clues Involve the Secondary, the Draft Board, and the Interior Offensive Line
Pretend Robert Stack is narrating this to you.
Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) lines up on defense during an NFC wild card matchup with the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on January 13, 2025, as the longtime defensive leader patrols the secondary during postseason action for Minnesota. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Unsolved Mystery No. 1: Harrison Smith
Close your eyes for this: Smith is technically a free agent — for the first time ever.
The Vikings released Smith on Wednesday, a procedural move while the future Hall of Famer decides to retire or return. And that’s the unsolved mystery. Smith played great in December and January, but he turned 37 in February. That’s incredibly old for a safety.
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It’s a coin flip on Smith’s return, but conventional logic suggests that he probably would’ve retired by now. We shall see if he pressed the green button for Year No. 15.
Unsolved Mystery No. 2: The First Couple of Draft Picks
Minnesota did not do much in free agency besides signing Murray for “free” and onboarding CB3 James Pierre. They did little to clear up their early-round draft intentions.
For example, the Vikings could’ve signed a cornerback like Jaylen Watson or a safety like Nick Cross, and for the most part, fans may have put those roster spots on the back burner. That didn’t happen.
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Instead, the Vikings could quite reasonably draft a player from any of these positions on April 23rd and in Round 2 on April 24:
Center
Cornerback
Defensive Tackle
Linebacker
Safety
Wide Receiver
Mock drafts will be all over the board for Minnesota in the remaining 5.5 weeks until showtime.
Unsolved Mystery No. 3: Big Trades
Interim general manager Rob Brzezinski has three major and theoretical trade pieces as free agency winds down:
Jordan Addison (WR)
Jonathan Greenard (OLB
J.J. McCarthy (QB)
Greenard is all the rage at the moment per the trade rumor mill, with the Philadelphia Eagles allegedly interested. Minnesota is said to want a 2nd-Round pick for the premium EDGE defender.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) celebrates after recording a sack against the Chicago Bears during second-quarter action at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, on November 24, 2024, as Minnesota’s pass rush disrupts the Bears offense during the NFC North matchup. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images.
Addison and McCarthy probably won’t be traded, but they cannot be ruled out as possibilities.
Unsolved Mystery No. 4: The WR3
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Jalen Nailor is gone — and he’s not coming back, at least not for two or three years. The Las Vegas Raiders enticed him with 35 million bucks and WR1-WR2 duty.
So, Minnesota has a WR3 void, if one assumes that last year’s rookie, Tai Felton, isn’t fully trustworthy for the assignment. Felton barely played on offense in 2025, and one would think the lights could be too bright to hand him the WR3 job with so little action last year.
Still, perhaps Minnesota prepared for Felton’s redshirt rookie season. If so, he’s the new WR3 by default. Otherwise, the Vikings must sign someone like Christian Kirk, Hollywood Brown, or draft another rookie in Round 2 or 3, possibly a player like Malachi Fields from Notre Dame.
SI.com‘s Will Ragatz noted on Felton this week after Nailor skedaddled, “The Vikings were clearly high on him after his huge senior season at Maryland. He’s been developing behind the scenes with wide receivers coach Keenan McCardell. And the opportunity might be there for him to take a big step forward in 2026.”
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“It was a different coaching staff, but former Vikings WR3 K.J. Osborn went from not playing a snap as a rookie in 2020 to posting a 50-655-7 receiving line in year two. Depending on what else the Vikings do at receiver, Felton might just have a chance to emerge as a key contributor this fall.”
Unsolved Mystery No. 5: Ryan Kelly’s Replacement
Kelly formally retired earlier this week, meaning the Vikings need a new center. Minnesota has about a dozen options.
In-house, the Vikings could promote one of these men:
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Blake Brandel
Michael Jurgens
From free agency, these candidates remain and could start in 2026:
Lloyd Cushenberry III
Graham Glasgow
Ethan Pocic
Detroit Lions center Graham Glasgow (60) prepares to snap the ball during second-quarter action against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on December 25, 2025, as the Lions offense sets up a play at the line of scrimmage in the divisional matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
And in the draft, Minnesota could explore one of these rookies:
Parker Brailsford (Alabama)
Pat Coogan (Indiana)
Sam Hecht (Kansas)
Logan Jones (Iowa)
Connor Lew (Auburn)
Brian Parker (Duke)
Jake Slaughter (Florida)
Coogan is intriguing and could be gettable in Round 5 or so. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein on his scouting report: “Coogan is a veteran center with good size, intelligence, communication skills and leadership that will appeal to offensive line coaches. He’s technically sound and is consistent in centering opponents while latching in with grip strength to increase stickiness.”
“He’s best in a gap scheme and inside zone, but his effectiveness can fade when the job stretches beyond the A-gaps. In protection, he lands well-timed punches and utilizes instinctive hand resets to regain positioning. However, forward lean and shorter arms will invite counters. Coogan has the potential to become a starter, but there are limitations in his game that make scheme fit and protection help important.”
Or — the Vikings could combine these plans. For example, promoting Jurgens might make sense out of the gate in 2026 while the coaching staff determines when a rookie such as Logan Jones might be ready.
Cards are an important passive mechanic in Bridger Western, available through the Mud Witch at the Swamp. These apply various bonuses that encourage a specific type of a play style, which can radically impact how you approach different activities. They have a potential to be build-defining, which is why it’s important to know which of them are worth pursuing.
This article ranks all Cards in Bridger Western based on their respective bonuses. Feel free to refer to this tier list whenever you wish to pursue a specific Card type for your build.
Ranking all Cards in Bridger Western
S-Tier
Active Card slots (Image via Roblox)
The S-Tier Cards have no flaws, and the passive abilities offer game-changing effects. These are incredibly useful passives that can completely overhaul how you approach combat in the title. We recommend keeping them in your deck, should you acquire them through rerolls in the Mud Witch’s hut.
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Card
Effect
Snake Eater
Staying still grants you passive invisibility and faster stamina regen.
Official cover art for the game (Image via Roblox)
The A-Tier Cards are decently powerful, with minor drawbacks or niche uses that keep them from joining the upper echelon of Cards. While still quite effective, they are not as crucial to regular gameplay as those in the S-Tier. They are worth keeping in your deck, provided your Card slots are not occupied by the S-Tier options.
Card
Effect
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Archer’s Child
Increases Bow draw speed by 1.5x.
Increases Bow fire rate by 2x.
Executioner
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If a headshot deals more than 40 damage and knocks a player down, they will be decapitated.
Evil Eye
Increases Ocular Prowess duration by 50%.
Reduces Ocular Prowess cooldown by 50%.
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Veteran
Reloading revolvers no longer empties the chamber.
Secret Technique
Activate Secret Technique when below 40% HP.
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Too Tired to Fall
Reduces damage received when below 50% Stamina.
Quick Draw
Equip your primary Weapon to enter a Quick Draw state.
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FAUX: High Noon
Reduces max HP by 10%.
Gain Auto Aim when using Ocular Prowess if you have High Noon equipped.
Can’t Lay Off the Tonic
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Increases power based on the number of active Tonics.
B-Tier
Gameplay still (Image via Roblox)
While not bad per se, the Cards belonging to the B-Tier are simply far too niche for their effects to be seen routinely during gameplay. The merit in keeping these Cards in your active Cards slots is fairly low. Naturally, these Cards are best used as secondary options behind their higher-tier counterparts.
Card
Effect
Total Checkmate
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Throw knife volleys.
A True Cowboy
Automatically aims lasso at other players while on horseback.
Increases Gun Damage by 17% on horseback.
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Free Runner
Increases Stamina by 20 points.
Combat roll is now a slide.
Desperado
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Increases Gun damage based on how low your HP is.
Silver Prodigy
Increases damage dealt with Silver Bullets and Silver Dagger.
C-Tier
The applications of the C-Tier Cards are even more restricted than those of the B-Tier. Either these are too flawed or too niche to be useful for long. As such, these options are best avoided or ignored, and you are better off spending your Moola to get better ones.
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Card
Effect
Boy with Fists
Increases Melee Damage by 20%.
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Reduces Gun accuracy by 55%.
Seasoned Hunter
Spawn with a Stake.
Vampires gain less blood if you have less health.
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Flesh Automaton
Taking lethal damage can trigger an explosion.
High Noon
Reduces max HP by 10%.
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Grants Auto Aim for five seconds at noon.
Belmont Family Crest
Deal 25% more damage to Vampires.
Receive 25% more damage from Vampires.
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Winged Man
Increases midair damage by 25%.
Poltergeist
Increases combat roll stamina by 80%.
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Reduces combat roll visibility.
Silver Wireset
Steel Wireset now applies Silver Damage and burns Vampires.
FAUX: High Noon grants you Auto Aim when using Ocular Prowess and reduces your max HP by 10%, provided you have the High Noon Card in your deck.
Is Snake Eater a good Card?
The invisibility and stamina regeneration bonuses offered by Snake Eater are a game changer, making it a great way to approach combat in the experience.
Derek Chisora lost on the cards to Deontay Wilder in London in what was his 50th fight – and the one he vowed to retire after.
It was an all-action, sloppy affair, with both men having spurts of success and showing impressive chins. Wilder ultimately took a split decision win, helped along by two knockdowns.
Speaking post-fight, Chisora expressed his disappointment and, despite his wife mouthing the words ‘last fight’ to him, would not fully commit to his pre-fight promise.
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“Some of the rounds were very close. I’m upset I came out of the ropes. If I didn’t come out the ropes I would have won that fight.
“I came out of the ring. It is what it is. I’ll go home with the boss lady and see wagwan. Thank you very much I appreciate that. I know I love to fight. Thank you very much.”
It will be up to Chisora – who said he wanted to spend time with his family before committing to anything – to make a difficult decision in the coming days. Will he attempt to bow out on a win with one more fight, or call it at 50 and be remembered for what he was – a relentless heavyweight who, despite never winning a world title, became one of the defining figures of his era?
If he does retire, his legacy rests on his durability, his willingness to gamble, and the fact that, no matter the result, he spent almost two decades giving heavyweight boxing everything he had.
As for Wilder, he said post-fight that he will absolutey take another crack at the top of the division. He had previously been in talks with unified champion Oleksandr Usyk, and Anthony Joshua, who was ringside, may now fancy that fight more than ever.
Apr 4, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte FC forward Kerwin Vargas (18) tries to maintain control of the ball challenged by Philadelphia Union midfielder Jovan Lukic (4) during the first half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Wilfried Zaha scored in the 80th minute Saturday night to break a draw and Charlotte FC kept the visiting Philadelphia Union winless with a 2-1 victory.
Running unmarked down the left side, Zaha received a pretty centering pass from Pep Biel and wired a shot into the far right corner past diving goalie Andre Blake. That enabled Charlotte to improve to 3-1-2, good for 11 points and a tie for third in the Eastern table with Inter Miami.
Charlotte is 3-0-1 in its last four matches and has outscored its foes 11-3 in that span.
Danley Jean-Jacques tallied his first goal of the year and only Philadelphia’s fourth in six fixtures to pull his team level in the 78th minute. Jean-Jacques finished off a pretty passing sequence that saw Nathan Harriel hit Cavan Sullivan with a long pass that Sullivan flicked to Jean-Jacques right in front of the goal.
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But the Union completely lost their defensive shape on Zaha’s game-winner and fell to 0-6-0 despite controlling play for most of the second half. They finished with a 17-9 advantage in total shots after managing only two shots in the first half.
Blake finished with three saves for Philadelphia, while Charlotte goalie Kristjian Kahlina came up with two stops. The Union’s best chance to equalize after Zaha’s goal came in the 86th minute but Sullivan’s header sailed wide left.
The main storyline prior to kickoff was what Philadelphia’s response would be in the face of its nightmarish start, a 180-degree turn from its fortunes last year, when it earned the Supporters’ Shield for finishing with the league’s best regular season record.
The Union spent most of the first 45 minutes in a defensive shell. Charlotte possessed the ball at a clip of close to 65% and finally made all that time with the ball pay off in the 30th minute.
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Jumping on a loose ball near the top of the box, Ashley Westwood lasered a shot into the left corner for his first goal of the year. That allowed Charlotte to head for the break with a 1-0 advantage.
Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick as Manchester City thrashed Liverpool 4-0 in their FA Cup quarter-final at the Etihad Stadium.
Haaland opened the scoring from the penalty spot late in the first half. He added a second goal before the break, while Antoine Semenyo made it three shortly after half-time. Haaland completed his hat-trick before the hour mark to seal a dominant win for the Premier League champions.
Mohamed Salah, playing his first match since announcing he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, had a penalty saved by James Trafford when his team were already four goals down. It was a difficult afternoon for manager Arne Slot and his players.
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The first goal came after Virgil van Dijk fouled Nico O’Reilly in the box, allowing Haaland to score from the spot. Haaland’s second goal came in stoppage time of the first half.
Rayan Cherki played an important role in the attack, setting up chances as City continued to dominate. Semenyo added another goal early in the second half to complete Liverpool’s misery.
Haaland was named Player of the Match after an outstanding performance.
There was no better place in the league for Ryan Strome to celebrate a milestone like this.
One month after the Anaheim Ducks’ 13th forward was traded away to the Flames, he returned to southern California to record his 500th NHL point Saturday night.
He did it in style, with a breakaway finish in front of his wife, five children, in-laws and two benches full of teammates past and present who admire the man for his leadership and class.
His goal snapped a 1-1 tie early in the second period to give the Flames a lead they would not relinquish in a 5-3 road win.
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What’s more, it took a little pressure off him in a family battle he joked about before the game.
“It probably took a little longer this year than I would have expected,” said Strome of the milestone, which was delayed by the fact he was essentially the odd-man out in Anaheim this year as part of the Ducks’ youth movement.
“My brother (Dylan) is kind of catching up to me, and he’s four years younger than me, so I gotta really get my butt in gear here.”
He’s done exactly that since joining the Flames, picking up 11 points in 15 games, which is a vast departure from the nine points in 33 games he had in Anaheim before the Flames acquired him for a seventh-round pick.
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The difference in Calgary, obviously, is opportunity.
“I mean, I just really wasn’t playing,” he said of his fourth year with the Ducks.
“When you’re playing fourth line and you’re playing eight minutes a game some games, five minutes a game, it’s tough. I have a lot more respect for guys that have done it for a long time in their career, now that I’ve been through it, and I’ve never had to deal with that in my career.”
For the record, Dylan has 439 points as one of Washington’s top players.
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Late in the second period, Morgan Frost hit the 20-goal milestone for the first time in his career after taking a long pass from Olli Maatta and finishing with a series of jukes and jives to beat Ville Husso. It put the Flames up 4-1 and helped Frost fulfill an early season goal he’d come close to three years ago in Philly when he finished with 19.
He also won a huge draw in the final 90 seconds with Anaheim’s goalie pulled, and seconds later potted his second of the game into the open cage.
His 41 points are only five short of his career-high.
Ryan Huska has spoken of late about Frost emerging from the shadow of Nazem Kadri after the veteran was traded, but the reality is Frost has been one of the top two or three forwards for the Flames all season long.
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His combination of silky-smooth hands and sublime skating should make him the favourite to open next season as the organization’s top centre.
The Flames extended their obscure record to 56 consecutive wins when scoring four goals or more. Despite a 4-1 lead after two periods, built on the back of goals from Joel Farabee, Matvei Gridin, Frost and Strome, the result was very much in doubt in the third as the Ducks scored twice in the third.
Alas, Devin Cooley stood tall as the game’s first star to make several of his 36 saves in the final few minutes to preserve the two points Anaheim would so desperately have liked.
It was Calgary’s first win in the opening three games of this, their final road trip of the year.
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A lot was made about the Flames’ six-game point streak at home last week threatening the team’s draft pick status.
However, the Canucks were never going to be caught as the league’s worst team, leaving the Flames in a race with Chicago and a few others for second and third-worst.
Even after the Flames win Saturday, the Flames still sit third-last, just two points up on Chicago, which also won Saturday. The Rangers also won Saturday to stay a point ahead of the Flames.
If the lottery were to be held now, the Flames’ draft lottery odds would look like this:
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• 1st overall pick: 11.5%
• 2nd overall pick: 11.2%
• 3rd overall pick: 7.8%
• 4th overall pick: 39.7%
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• 5th overall pick: 29.8%
The good news for Flames fans is that with six games left, they still have several tough opponents on the docket, including three on the road against Dallas, Colorado and desperate Seattle, followed by three at home against Utah, Colorado and L.A.
The third round of the 2026 Valero Texas Open resumes underway Sunday morning at TPC San Antonio, with the final round being played later in the day. Here’s everything you need to know to watch the tournament on Sunday, including full Valero Texas Open TV coverage, streaming details and tee times.
How to watch Valero Texas Open on Sunday
When play was suspended Saturday afternoon at TPC San Antonio, two familiar names sat atop the leaderboard: Robery MacIntrye and Ludvig Aberg. The duo were key pieces for the victorious European side at last fall’s Ryder Cup, and in the last tuneup before the Masters, they are sitting 1-2 on the leaderboard.
MacIntyre, the 29-year-old from Scotland, sits alone in first place at 15 under through six holes of his third round, while Aberg is another two strokes behind. The two men will return to TPC San Antonio Sunday morning with a long day of golf ahead and both seeking their first victories of the 2026 campaign.
You can watch the completion of the third round of the Valero Texas Open via PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ will provide exclusive streaming coverage starting at 8:45 a.m. ET, as well as featured group and featured hole coverage all round long.
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The final round will begin after third-round play is completed, and you can watch on TV via Golf Channel from 1-2:30 p.m. ET. CBS will provide TV coverage for the remainder of the final round from 2:30-6 p.m. ET.
Below you will find everything you need to know to watch the 2026 Valero Texas Open on Sunday.
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Get ESPN+
With an ESPN+ subscription, you gain access to PGA Tour Live, where you can stream the best PGA Tour events live from wherever you want.
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How to watch on TV Sunday
Golf Channel will carry final-round TV coverage of the 2026 Valero Texas Open from 1-2:30 p.m. ET on Sunday.
How to stream online Sunday
You can stream the third and fourth rounds of the 2026 Valero Texas Open via PGA Tour Live on ESPN+, which will offer streaming coverage starting at 8:45 a.m. ET on Sunday in addition to featured group and hole coverage.
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Mikel Arteta took responsibility for Arsenal’s meek FA Cup quarter-final exit at Southampton as the Premier League leaders blew a glorious chance to return to Wembley.
A fortnight on from the disappointing Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City, the absentee-hit Gunners lost to Sky Bet Championship opposition at a rocking St Mary’s on Saturday evening.
Ross Stewart fired in-form Saints ahead at the end of a move featuring Martin Odegaard and Ben White errors, with Leo Scienza hitting the crossbar before substitute Viktor Gyokeres equalised for Arsenal.
However, it is Southampton heading to Wembley later this month in the FA Cup semi-finals after Shea Charles came off the bench to seal a famous 2-1 quarter-final victory.
“Really disappointed in the manner that we lost the opportunity to get back to Wembley,” said Arsenal boss Arteta, whose side boast a nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
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“I love my players. What they have done for nine months, I’m not going to criticise them because we lost a game here in the manner that they tried and the way they are putting their bodies through everything.
“Some of them probably didn’t even have to be here today. I’m not going to do that, so I’m going to defend them more than ever.
“Someone has to take responsibility. That’s me and we have the most beautiful period of the season ahead of us.
“And now is a moment. In the season, you always have moments, normally two or three. This is the first moment that we have with a certain level of difficulty.
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“We’re going to say difficulty when we’re going to play the Champions League quarter-finals and the run-up for the league.
“If this is a difficult period, I believe there are many other ones that are much more difficult, so let’s stand up, make yourself comfortable and deliver like we’ve been doing all season.”
Arsenal have little time to dust themselves down after Saturday’s loss at Southampton given the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at Sporting is coming up on Tuesday.
Gabriel Magalhaes looks a doubt for the trip to Lisbon after the centre-back, who withdrew from the Brazil squad with a knee issue, limped off in the second half.
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“I don’t know,” Arteta said of the issue. “I think he felt something. I don’t know exactly what it is. We’re going to have to assess him. But obviously when a player asks him to be substituted, it’s not good news.”
Saints are also back in action on Tuesday, when they head to play-off rivals Wrexham buoyed by an unforgettable evening at St Mary’s.
It was the greatest victory of Tonda Eckert’s nascent coaching career and keeps alive hopes of Saints replicating Lawrie McMenemy’s second-tier side winning the FA Cup 50 years ago.
“I think the club has been craving for a moment like this for a long time,” head coach Eckert, only 33, said.
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“I think that we’ve suffered over a longer spell, and it’s just so important that we get that atmosphere back to St Mary’s how it should be.
“I think today was outstanding. Not just for the generation from ’76, but also for the younger generation to be able to identify themselves with the club, with what we do. I think nights like this help a lot.”
It was a scrappy affair between the two men, with Wilder earning two knockdowns across the course of the 12 rounds, as the judges scored the bout 115-111, 115-113 and 112-115 to secure the narrow victory for the American.
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Speculation has now begun over who ‘The Bronze Bomber’ may look to target next, with a clash against unified world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk or WBO titleholder Fabio Wardley seen as two potential options.
It seems as if Wilder may have another target in mind though, after he crossed paths with long-term rival Joshua as he left the ring on Saturday.
The aftermath was then captured by DAZN, as Wilder revealed what he thought about the coming together with Joshua.
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“He’s scared as f**k. Let’s do it.”
Wilder and Joshua were linked to a showdown for a number of years when they were each reigning world heavyweight champions, but for one reason or another, it was never able to come to fruition.
While both men may now be past their best, it would still be a big fight for the division, but for now it seems that Joshua’s focus is on landing a battle against countryman Tyson Fury, who himself knows what it is like to share the ring with Wilder after their epic trilogy.
West Ham United host Leeds United today, aiming to reach their first FA Cup semi-final in two decades.
The Hammers have moved into the quarter-finals after a dramatic penalty win over Brentford. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo oversaw a strong home run, with the side unbeaten in six at the London Stadium. West Ham have been eliminated from eight of their last ten FA Cup quarter-final ties. They now seek to end that trend tonight.
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West Ham team news
Nuno Espírito Santo manages a squad hopeful of a key attacking return. Crysencio Summerville faces a late fitness test after suffering a calf injury in March. Consequently, his availability remains uncertain until shortly before kick-off.
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Crucially, Jarrod Bowen enters the match in excellent form against the visitors. He has scored in all three of his previous appearances against Leeds at this venue.
Alphonse Areola will start in goal behind a defence featuring Konstantinos Mavropanos and Axel Disasi. In midfield, Tomáš Souček returns following World Cup qualification success with the Czech Republic.
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Mateus Fernandes is also expected to start after making his senior Portugal debut. Notably, West Ham have won their last two FA Cup meetings with Leeds. They will rely on their home dominance to secure a Wembley return today.
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West Ham predicted lineup
West Ham United Predicted XI (4-3-3): Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Disasi, Diouf; Soucek, Magassa, Fernandes; Bowen, Wilson, Traore
When will the match kick off?
The FA Cup quarter-final tie officially begins this Sunday, 5 April, at 16:30 BST.
How to watch West Ham vs Leeds?
UK viewers can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1 and stream via HBO Max.
Dec 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
This year’s draft features likely top pick Fernando Mendoza, star running back Jeremiyah Love, combine standouts and sure first-rounders Sonny Styles and Kenyon Sadiq, as well as countless other intriguing players. Perhaps the most fascinating one is someone who has yet to take his first steps on the gridiron.
Nigerian defensive tackle prospect Uar Bernard has become a sweet story in this year’s pre-draft process thanks to his otherworldly athleticism and an article of The Athletic written by Bruce Feldman.
Feldman introduced the draft hopeful: “Jordan Luallen trained some of the most freakish athletes at the 2026 NFL combine: A 245-pound edge rusher who vertical-jumped 41 inches, a jumbo wide receiver who ran a 4.3 40, and a 293-pound defensive tackle who ran 4.8. But Luallen told The Athletic he’s never seen an athlete like the one he’s been training for the past 10 weeks for this year’s NFL draft. Uar Bernard (pronounced “ooh-are”) measured in earlier this week at the NFL’s HBCU showcase at 6-4 1/2, 306 pounds with 11-inch hands and almost 36-inch arms.”
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According to analyst Ryan Fowler, the Vikings are one of five teams to have shown interest in hosting Bernard for a visit.
This is the biggest freak athlete in this year’s NFL draft. I’d never heard of him till two days ago. He’s from a small village in Nigeria. He is 6-4 1/2, 306 lbs and jumps 10-10. Some folks in the NFL think he’ll go on Day 3 of the draft. Free story: https://t.co/tgiQdpjikhpic.twitter.com/aFgq5FUjNV
Bernard is a project that will likely take years to provide a return on investment, if he ever can. Yet, teams often spend their later draft picks on players with potential rather than selecting pro-ready athletes and Bernard fits that mold, though perhaps a little more extreme than usual.
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Feldman added, “Other people who have spent their lifetimes in football say Bernard looks like a Marvel creation. Bernard’s body fat: 6 percent. He vertical-jumped 39 inches and broad-jumped 10-10, which was 14 inches more than any other defensive tackle did at this year’s combine. His 40-yard dash: 4.63.”
That’s indeed a marvel-like arsenal of physical tools.
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, he’s the most athletic defensive tackle prospect in over two decades of data. They posted on social media, “We ran Nigerian IPP prospect Uar Bernard’s numbers through the NGS athleticism models (predictive & raw) trained against DTs since 2003. Here’s how he scored relative to the 2026 draft class: Athleticism Score: 96 (1st) Raw ATH Score: 10.0 (1st)”
A terrible three-cone time hurt his still-excellent relative athletic score, but it’s worth wondering whether he’s really unable to change direction or if he botched the test. Given his movement skills, the latter theory might be more than just a conspiracy theory.
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The NFL has been trying to grow the game internationally and the number of foreign players in the NFL is slowly rising. Few have turned out to become star players or even starters. The most prominent one is Eagles All-Pro tackle Jordan Mailata, an Australian with zero football experience prior to the 2018 draft.
Feldman noted, “Bernard began the training program Jan. 18 in Florida with Luallen. He came in at 295 pounds with 11 percent body fat. He vertical-jumped 32 inches and broad-jumped 9-4. To see the improvement in the 10 weeks of training is unlike anything Luallen has experienced. ‘He was very naturally gifted when he walked in, but he made substantial improvement on everything. He’s super freakin’ flexible, and he is way more fluid now.’”
Bernard grew up in a small village in Nigeria and wanted to pursue a career in real estate. Most people from there are farmers, he said, according to Feldman.
His football journey started when he was playing basketball and a coach suggested he should pick up football. A few football camps later, he was chosen by the International Pathway Program.
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That program is working with former players and coaches to teach the prospects the sport. YouTube has been another way for him to study defensive line play, especially Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald, who have caught his attention.
Without any college experience, there’s a good chance Bernard lacks the fundamentals to thrive in the NFL, needing a lot of work. However, players with such athletic feats will always draw attention as long-term projects.
Oct 20, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New Orleans Saints co-defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Vikings defensive line coach Marcus Dixon left this offseason for the Dallas Cowboys. Ryan Nielsen was hired in that role. Nielsen has been a defensive line coach for two decades and a guy with his experience appears to be primed for that assignment.
Based on potential alone, he’ll likely hear his name called late in the draft as a flier and the Vikings could be the ones pulling that trigger.
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