Uar Bernard and Joshua Weru were never expected to become finished NFL players in a single training camp. The Philadelphia Eagles now have additional time to determine what both international prospects can become. Bernard and Weru cleared waivers and returned to Philadelphia’s practice squad, preserving two of the most physically intriguing developmental players from the summer.
“These guys have tremendous ability to be developed,” general manager Howie Roseman said.
Bernard, a seventh-round pick from Nigeria, joined the Eagles without organized football experience. Philadelphia drafted him because of his unusual combination of size, strength and athletic ability, understanding that he would need extensive instruction before becoming ready for a regular-season
role at defensive tackle. Weru arrived as an undrafted free agent after playing professional rugby. The Kenyan edge defender made noticeable progress during the preseason, including recording a sack against the New England Patriots.
Neither prospect earned a spot on the initial 53-man roster. Philadelphia kept five defensive tackles and five outside linebackers, creating difficult numbers for players who remain early in their football development. The practice squad is the appropriate environment for both. Bernard and Weru can participate in meetings, practice against NFL offensive linemen and learn the technical details of their positions without being rushed into game action.
Their development is unlikely to follow a conventional timeline. Both players must build the football instincts that most NFL prospects develop in high school or earlier.
Philadelphia’s investment is built around patience rather than immediate production. By getting Bernard and Weru through waivers, the Eagles retained two rare athletes and gave their coaching staff an opportunity to turn physical potential into usable football skill.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Howie Roseman explains Eagles’ plans for Uar Bernard, Joshua Weru
