Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama
Finally, what if the front office addresses the defense well enough that a first-round pick allows them to pick BPA at 41? What if the Bengals see that the offense is one piece away from taking another step? Sure, it’s already pretty great, but the Bengals could improve the depth/WR3 position. As of now, it’s Mike Gesicki playing the de facto WR3 role. Why not add a dynamic SEC guy?
Germie Bernard has been a solidly productive player for three different teams. As a freshman, he played for Michigan State and put up 128 yards and two touchdowns on just seven receptions. Then, he transferred out to Washington, where he amassed 419 yards and two scores on 34 receptions.
He spent his final two seasons at Alabama, following Kalen DeBoer. With the Tide, across the two seasons in total, Bernard led the way with 1,656 yards and nine touchdowns off 114 receptions. This year, he was forced into the WR1 role with the struggles of Ryan Williams.
I’d like to revisit this, it’s actually unfair to have an athlete like Germie Bernard on your team.
He is incredible to watch in person pic.twitter.com/3LbZAvuk7e
— Nick Perkins (@NickyPerkss) October 19, 2025
The Bengals need a guy who can live in the slot, but also kick outside to give Ja’Marr Chase routes on the inside (because, come on, Chase against a nickel corner, safety, or linebacker just isn’t fair). Bernard is a good route runner and can separate. He can attack the intermediate part of the field and, according to NoFilmAnalysis on Twitter, 45.1% of his targets resulted in a first down.
His career yards per reception settled in at a nice 14.2 yards.
The Bengals don’t have a WR3 that Joe Burrow can consistently trust. Bernard would fill that role and open things up for Chase and Tee Higgins.
If Bernard isn’t there, or if Zachariah Branch is there and it makes sense, Branch would also be a fantastic option. We may expand on that at a later date.
