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#13 Francis Bernard (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images) /

University of Utah OLB Bernard

The University of Utah has a very intriguing player in Francis Bernard. He can project to the NFL as an interior linebacker in a 3-4, and he can project to the NFL as an outside linebacker. With the arrival of new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, who intends to bring camouflage and subterfuge to the Rams’ defense, Bernard is a custom ordered NFL Draft prospect.

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Hansen stands 6-foot-2 and weighs in at a mere 240 pounds. He may not be the biggest defender but make no mistake. There is plenty of BOOM in his tackling. He is a Tasmanian-devil defender, a seek and destroy assignment which he relished with the Utes. His production was among the team’s leaders in 2019 when he recorded 85 tackles, two interceptions, a forced fumble, and a batted pass.

He has incredible range in pass-defense. He began his NCAA football career for two seasons at Brigham Young University but transferred to Utah for his senior season. Due to his excellent pass coverage skills, the Utes did not send him at the quarterback. But his sophomore season at BYU, he did record two sacks.

He converted from running back to linebacker. As such, his ability to diagnose offensive plays unfolding in front of him is top-notch. He places himself where the offense wants to go on the play. His is more than pass defense, as he excels at setting an edge as well.

Also. LA Rams 2020 NFL Draft deep with offensive linemen. light

NFL Teams will be scared off by just one season with the Utes at OLB. A converted RB to OLB is a tough projection for NFL Scouts to make accurately. The Rams will not hesitate to scoop him up. Bernard will join Group 3 and will arrive at the NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday, February 25.

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