Possible NFL Landing Spots For Utah Linebacker Francis Bernard
Apr 19, 2020, 6:10 PM
Utah Utes linebacker Francis Bernard (13) celebrates after tackling Colorado Buffaloes running back Alex Fontenot (8) for a loss during the second half of a NCAA football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. (Colter Peterson, Deseret News)
(Colter Peterson, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Former Utah linebacker Francis Bernard is doing everything that he can to have his name called during the NFL Draft.
RELATED STORIES
Bernard is projected to go anywhere from the fifth round to the possibly undrafted when the NFL Draft takes place from April 23-25.
The first team All-Pac-12 selection will certainly have an NFL career, it’s just a matter of where.
Here are some possible NFL landing spots for Francis Bernard.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos could use some backup help at the middle linebacker positions. Denver uses a 4-3 scheme with Von Miller and Bradley Chubb as the outside linebackers. Todd Davis and Alexander Johnson hold down the ILB spots for the Broncos.
Bernard would fit in perfectly as a backup who could potentially work his way to a starter position in the next 2-3 years.
Pro Day Numbers, Fully electronic.
40: 4.65
20 yd shuttle: 4.28
3 Cone: 7.105 pic.twitter.com/rhc5RKlBGk— Francis Bernard (@FrancisJBernard) April 8, 2020
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are going through a rebuild after an awful 2-14 record last season. As of right now, the Bengals haven’t added any free agent help at linebacker but could dip their toes in the draft pool to get a couple of backers.
Bernard would be a great fit to help develop his own skills while the Bengals are finding their identity as a franchise.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings would a spot where Bernard would have to work his way up the depth chart but would be a great place to start on special teams and getting limited reps in games. That system would be great for Bernard’s career as they focus on defense in Minnesota.
Eric Kendricks, Anthony Barr and Eric Wilson are the starting LB’s for the Vikings.
Whatever team ends up with @FrancisJBernard is gettin an absolute steal. Fluid, smooth, physical and moves/COD like a skill guy. Also out here grinding on his Bday. Different breed. @Utah_Football #nfldraft pic.twitter.com/vQRQhSkX97
— Jordan Pendleton (@Penny_1) April 9, 2020
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars lost Jake Ryan but signed Joe Schobert in free agency. Jacksonville is in a mini rebuild phase but still have some talented players on the roster.
Linebacker is a position of need but Bernard will likely have to go through the same route in Jacksonville as he would in Denver and Minnesota.
Trevor Allen is a Utah Utes Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Crimson Corner podcast. Follow him on Twitter: @TrevorASports. You can download and listen to the podcast, here.
