Giovanni Bernard Scouting Report

Giovani Bernard Scouting Report

Measurables:

Height: 5’8”

Weight: 202

Arm length: 28”

Hand: 9 3/8”

40 time: 4.53

Pros:

• Extremely good production as a two year starter at UNC
• Great receiving weapon out of the backfield
• Was an effective punt returner this past year scoring 2 TD’s
• Very fast and quick running back, changes direction really well and is dangerous in the open field.
• Really good vision, finds a hole quickly and sees the defenders around him
• Dangerous open field runner
• More advanced in pass blocking than most rookies

Cons:

• Already has had one ACL injury, and sat out two games to knee discomfort this year
• A bit on the smaller side, can he take the feature back workload at the next level
• Worked out of a spread no huddle attack, will he fare as well in a pro style system
• Can he run between the tackles as effectively in the NFL

Overall:

Bernard looks to be a complete all-around back, who can be a big time playmaker. Questions will remain about can he hold up at his size playing in the NFL. He is such a dynamic playmaker though that even if he’s not a feature back, he will offer positive impact to an NFL team. He can at least be a very effective third down back given his blocking and receiving skills and is a guy that NFL teams will want to get the ball to in space. If you believe that Bernard can be a fulltime back, then he’s worth a top 40 pick, if not then you might slide him down your board some. Even if you don’t believe he can be that, at worst though he’s a top 75 guy, given his versatility and big time upside. Expect Bernard to be drafted somewhere in the mid-2^nd round, and start early in his career.