Stanford linebacker Gaethan Bernadel was productive throughout two seasons with the Cardinal. After transferring to the program from Florida International, Bernadel recorded 172 tackles. He garnered a ton of interest from NFL teams at this year's Tropical Bowl as a result.
Bernadel recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Bernadel discussed entering the transfer portal, leaving his home state of Florida, defending the pass and run, learning from Patrick Queen on film, which teams are showing interest in his services, and more.
JM: Now that you've had time to reflect, how do you look back on the decision to transfer from Florida International to Stanford?
Gaethan Bernadel: It was honestly an easy decision to make. A lot of people go into the portal because they don’t want to compete, or because they’re chasing NIL money. I entered the portal because I wanted to compete on a bigger stage. I wanted to challenge myself.
I’m not somebody who gets homesick, either. I’ve always wanted to leave my hometown of Florida and grow into my own man. Going to Stanford was the easiest decision I’ve ever made once I got the offer. I’d do it 100 times over.
JM: You recorded 172 tackles in two years at Stanford, starting 24 straight games. What do you think it is about your game that allows you to make so many plays in the backfield?
Gaethan Bernadel: Effort and physicality. I’m always running to the football. I understand gap schemes and I understand how to read where the ball might end up. That comes with watching film and knowing personnel, understanding your opponent.
I prepare during the week. I’m very preparation oriented. I tend to understand offensive tendencies. Third-and-long, third-and-short, I know what they like to run. Our coaching staff did a great job getting in the run defense calls and calling the right plays at the right moment.
I’m a physical football player who runs to the football. Once I have you wrapped up, it’s tough to break my tackle.
JM: What's your favorite aspect of playing the linebacker position?
Gaethan Bernadel: I love the ability to be physical and defend the run. I love supporting the defensive line. I also get to tackle wide receivers who weigh about 20-30 pounds less than me (laughs).
That’s the fun part. I love being athletic and moving around sideline to sideline. I can do a lot of things for a defense. I played outside linebacker and at the nickel on occasion. I love being versatile and using my physical traits, my God-given talents.
JM: Would you compare your game to any linebackers around the league? Anyone you like studying and learning from?
Gaethan Bernadel: I love watching Patrick Queen on tape. I even watch his tape at LSU. I loved his 2024 tape as well. He’s very explosive, especially when they send him on blitzes, or when he’s going to make a tackle. He can play both the run and the pass.
When I watch his tape and watch his technique, I’m trying to add some of those nuggets to my game that would be beneficial. I wouldn’t say I model my game after his, but he’s definitely somebody I watched during my season.
Even in the offseason, I was watching some extra Patrick Queen film. I love trying to add some of his aspects to my game.
JM: He’s a great player to study and learn from. What about your ability to play in coverage? Are you comfortable dropping in coverage, playing man and zone?
Gaethan Bernadel: I most definitely am. I had to cover a lot at Stanford over the past two years. I had to play in the slot a little bit. I had to cover running backs coming out of the backfield.
I’m very comfortable playing at the apex. I’m used to shadowing receivers, or covering running backs at the No. 1 spot. I’ve covered pass catchers to the boundary or wherever.
I’m very comfortable with my game in coverage. I felt well-prepared for those moments. The coaching staff taught me the right techniques in order for me to be successful in those moments.
JM: We love that. Have you met with any NFL teams throughout this process?
Gaethan Bernadel: I met with roughly 10-12 teams at the Tropical Bowl. I met with the Chargers, Bears, Dolphins, Texans, Titans, Cowboys, and the Bills. Those are the teams that come to mind.
JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why on film. We've appreciated your time today. This has been a lot of fun. Why should a team use a draft pick on Gaethan Bernadel?
Gaethan Bernadel: You’re going to get a smart, tough, dependable football player. I play hard, fast, and physical. You’re getting a guy who works hard to be the same consistent person every day.
I’m a great teammate in the locker room. I had a positive impact in two different locker rooms in college.
Ultimately, you’re getting a guy who loves to win. Winning is the only thing that matters. I’ve been playing football since I was a little kid. You learn that they only love you when you win. Winning is the only thing that matters. I’ll make sure I help the team do that.
You won’t regret using a pick on me. Trust me.
