49ers held pre-draft interview with Utah LB Francis Bernard

The San Francisco 49ers held a pre-draft interview with former BYU and Utah linebacker Francis Bernard, according to Walter Football.

Pre-draft interviews are being held virtually using video chat software as the NFL continues to observe social distancing. Conversations with draft prospects can't last more than an hour, with no more than three with a single player per week.

Bernard, a transfer from BYU, recorded 85 tackles, 7.5 for a loss, two interceptions, a touchdown, a pass defensed, and a forced fumble in 14 starts as a senior for the Utes.

At the NFL Scouting Combine, the 6-foot and 234-pound Bernard had a 40-time of 4.81 seconds, a vertical jump of 32.5 inches, a broad jump of 120 inches, and 19 reps in the bench press. Other measurables for Bernard include an arm length of 31 7/8 inches and hands that measure 9 7/8 inches.

Bernard's NFL Scouting Combine numbers came after he injured his hamstring during the bench press and while jumping. He went through with the workouts without knowing he was hurt. Bernard was unable to participate in his Utah pro day because it was canceled amid growing concern over the coronavirus pandemic. He did, however, get a chance to improve upon his numbers.

Bernard participated in a private pro day in Las Vegas, led by former BYU linebacker Jordan Pendleton, and lowered his 4.81-second 40-time to 4.65 seconds while utilizing the same timing and measuring equipment used at the NFL Scouting Combine. Video of the performance was sent to NFL teams.

Bernard considers himself a student of the game. He arrived early and left late for film sessions, studying anything he could to improve his play on the football field.

"It's not because of me just knowing the game," Bernard said. "It's because I've put in countless hours of studying film. Not just college film, but NFL film and trying to figure out why these guys do this and then going back and watching my games."

Below is the NFL.com draft profile bio on Bernard:

Bernard was a two-time all-state pick as a running back at Herriman High School in Utah, earning a scholarship from Brigham Young. He served his LDS mission in Atlanta, Georgia, and then started four games in the backfield for the Cougars as a true freshman (52 carries, 334 yards, 6.4 ypc, seven touchdowns; 17 receptions, 156 yards, 9.2 average, two touchdowns in 10 total appearances). BYU coaches switched him to linebacker after that campaign, and he wound up starting 12 games there (80 tackles, 5.5 for loss, two sacks, three interceptions, one returned for a score, three pass breakups). However, Bernard was not allowed to play in the team's bowl game due to a violation of team rules. He was already sitting out the 2017 season for allegedly violating the school's honor code before being arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence. Bernard asked for his release from BYU when told he would not return that season; he attended Rio Salado College while waiting for his next opportunity. Utah signed him before the 2018 campaign and he started two of 12 games played in his first year with the Utes (38 tackles, five for loss, an interception, two pass breakups). Bernard became the team's man in the middle of the defense for all 14 games as a senior, garnering first-team All-Pac-12 recognition (85 tackles, 7.5 for loss, two interceptions).

Lance Zierlein of NFL.com wrote the following about Bernard within his scouting report:

Active inside linebacker with good recognition and initial quickness, but lacking the discipline and take-on skills to play at a consistent level as a pro. Immaturity and bad decision-making derailed him early in his career, but he's been a good teammate and productive player since sitting out the 2017 season. It's easy to love the motor, but the inconsistent open-field tackling combined with proclivity for running himself out of position might force him to shine on special teams if he wants to compete for a back-end roster spot.

Kyle Crabbs of The Draft Network wrote the following about Bernard within his scouting report:

Summary - Francis Bernard projects as a potential depth LB in the pros. Bernard has bright flashes of play diagnosis/quickness to step into voids up front, but his ability to break down blocks, play through contact or serve as a consistent finisher all blend for concerns that will need to be ironed out before he latches on to a full-time role. Bernard is more quick than fast and more sudden than powerful — will need a DL that can provide heavy protections if he is to serve as a starter.

Measurables

Height: 6-0
Weight: 234 lbs.
Arm length: 31 7/8 inches
Hand length: 9 7/8 inches

NFL Scouting Combine

40-time: 4.81 seconds
Vertical: 32.5 inches
Broad jump: 120 inches
Bench press: 19 reps