As the 2026 NFL Draft draws closer, the conversation around wide receivers is beginning to shift from pure upside to long-term fit and reliability. While much of the spotlight has centered on explosive, high-ceiling playmakers, teams are just as focused on prospects who can step in early and elevate an offense in multiple ways. That's where former Alabama WR Germie Bernard continues to rise, emerging as one of the most complete and translatable skill sets in the class.
Bernard's stock took another leap in the last week when former Carolina Panthers All-Pro wideout Steve Smith Sr. endorsed his game while evaluating this year's incoming corps of pass catchers, pointing to the Las Vegas native's polish, versatility, and pro-ready approach as traits that seamlessly project to Sundays at the next level. Smith Sr. made his stance clear during his "89 Channel" podcast with NFL Network analyst Jesse Palmer when breaking down the Alabama prospect's college career and film.
Steve Smith Sr. see's Germie Bernard as the "perfect fit" for in any NFL offense
"Man, he just does some really cool things.. I like this kid," Steve Smith Sr. said. "What do I see? Good hands, catcher, great vision, could be a special teams value on returns, possibly. I like his creativity on releases, and he's a savvy route runner... He's a hell of a route runner."
Smith went further, emphasizing Bernard's ability after the catch and how his competitive edge can help him translate to any NFL offense.Â
"I love his finish, I do believe when the ball is in his hands that he's a better player than what people would look at on paper," Smith said. "And when you get the ball in his hands, he can do some damage. He's not gonna go down—he's got a little spiciness to 'em so I love seeing that in his game. He fits in every offense, he'll be fine anywhere."Â
Palmer also chimed in on the Alabama wideout, sharing what he's heard from league executives and the popular player that most evaluators have started to compare him to, Bernard to at the most at the next level—though many also note the comp doesn't fit the transitional prototype at the position.
Jesse Palmer sees Germie Bernard's skill set translating to a "Deebo Samuel" -like type of impact in the NFL
"I'll tell you this Steve—you are not alone in your affinity for Germie Bernard," Palmer said. "When I make these calls around it's going, 'You know who I really like, man I really like Germie Bernard'... One of the things that kind of jumped out at me... that was Deebo (Samuel). Everybody's looking for that guy who turns into a running back with the football, asking 'Who's the next Deebo Samuel?' When I watch Germie Bernard, he has that ability that a lot of people are looking for, and he has the wide receiver traits. He has the ability to play the position like a true wide receiver—and that's where he differentiates himself from this group."
Bernard demonstrated the ability to be effective both as a traditional wide receiver and as a versatile offensive weapon capable of moving the chains in unconventional ways during his two seasons in Tuscaloosa. He totaled 1,656 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns on 114 receptions, while adding 78 rushing yards on 8 carries when deployed as a designed touch player within the Alabama offense. That combination of versatility and toughness has now made Bernard one of the most trusted "glue piece" receivers in this class, which makes the comparison more comfortable.Â
With that being said, it'll be interesting to see which franchise selects Bernard this upcoming week when the 2026 NFL Draft officially gets underway in Pittsburgh on Thursday night at 7 p.m., as he's widely viewed as an immediate-impact, plug-and-play contributor at the next level this fall.Â
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