RELEASE/ROUTE RUNNING
Bernard is a very good route runner all around. He has a great release that is a problem for press man coverage as he can beat you with his feet and violent hands.
PHYSICALITY
Bernard is not afraid to get in there and block for his teammates, relishing the physicality aspect of the game. He can throw defenders down when working with the ball in his hands. I loved how he was able to hand fight not only at the line of scrimmage on his release, but also deep down the field to gain better position on deep balls.
YARDS AFTER CATCH
Bernard excels in this area. He has a natural feel for making defenders miss. He has the ability to feel the defenders closing in even when his back is turned to them, and works back to the ball to give himself more room to make a move. Alabama lined him up in the backfield to take advantage of his running ability and to catch quick passes in the flat. Overall, he is a weapon in this area.
ATHLETICISM
Bernard is a silky smooth athlete. We liked his game speed and quickness a lot and he is approaching elite territory in these areas. His burst is very good as well but just slightly below his game speed and quickness.
FANTASY OUTLOOK
Bernard's route running, paired with his athelticism and physical demeanor are going to translate well to the next level. While ball skills remain a mixed bag, he is skilled enough in other areas to have a steady career in the NFL, and on your fantasy rosters. We recommend drafting him in the early 2nd round of your rookie drafts.
BALL SKILLS
This was a mixed bag for Bernard. He has great reliable hands. He has good body control to make acrobatic catches. His contested catch ability, however, was below average. I believe this is something he can improve on at the next level because he has natural hands and plays with physicality. I believe it was an issue of understanding body positioning for the contested catches that had him with a lower contested catch rate than most.
IDEAL TEAM FITS
Bernard is a great route runner with the physicality to play the X role at the next level. He would benefit from a team that could not only use a number 1 receiver, but would also look to get him the ball in open space.
SCOUTPOTATO
Scouting Academy (Coming Soon)