Vic Fangio isn’t interested in pretending Uar Bernard and Joshua Weru are anywhere close to helping the Eagles right now.
That was the message when the defensive coordinator was asked about the two International Pathway Program players, both of whom are still in the early stages of learning the game. Bernard, a seventh-round pick, and Weru, who signed as an undrafted free agent, have drawn attention this summer because of their upside. Fangio, though, made it clear that upside is still a long way from production.
"It's going to take a long while," Fangio said. "You guys can get off that topic, they're light-years away."
That’s not a knock so much as a reality check. Bernard and Weru are both working with the developmental squad and the third team, and neither is expected to play a meaningful role this season. Weru is being used as a third-team pass rusher, while Bernard is lining up as a third-team defensive tackle.
The Eagles simply don’t need them yet. At edge rusher, Philadelphia already has Jonathan Greenard, Jalyx Hunt, Nolan Smith, Arnold Ebiketie, and A.J.
Epenesa. If Brandon Graham comes back, that would make six pass rushers in the mix.
There isn’t much room for Weru to climb into that picture.
The more likely path for Weru is straightforward: he doesn’t make the 53-man roster, and the Eagles hope he clears waivers and lands on the practice squad to keep developing.
Bernard’s situation is a little different because the Eagles are deeper at defensive tackle and may have a roster strategy in mind. Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, and Byron Young are the top four, with Gabe Hall, Ty Robinson, and Zion Wilson battling for the No. 5 spot. Philadelphia is likely to keep Bernard on the 53-man roster so another team can’t claim him, a move that would mirror what the Eagles did with Jordan Mailata in 2018.
That kind of caution underscores just how raw both players are. They have not gotten many chances with the first or second team, and this week marked the first time both players put on shoulder pads in their lives.
Even so, they’ve been getting work late in practice and taking part in 1-on-1s against veteran linemen. The results, as Fangio’s comments suggest, have matched the stage they’re at in their development.
Weru has recorded a “sack” in 11-on-11s this camp, while Bernard has one in the developmental period. Those moments are notable only in the sense that they show the players are flashing here and there. They do not change the larger picture.
Fangio said the Eagles are committed to helping them grow, but not if it comes at the expense of the roster.
"We are invested in their development," Fangio said. "But not at the detriment of our team."
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