With their final selection in the 2025 NFL draft, the Chargers took defensive back Trikweze Bridges, who was announced as a corner after primarily playing safety for the Florida Gators in 2024.
A former three-star recruit from Alabama, Bridges played five seasons at Oregon before transferring to Florida for his final collegiate season. At 6’2 5/8″, 196 lbs, Bridges has the size and length to press players at corner, where he’s played at Oregon and Florida. His 4.45 40-yard dash speed at Florida’s pro day also gives him a ranginess at safety that the Chargers likely found appealing.
Bridges tested well overall at Florida’s pro day, which likely contributed to the Chargers spending a selection on him rather than risking their chances in undrafted free agency. His versatility across the secondary is something that defensive coordinator Jesse Minter will no doubt enjoy employing, and his testing suggests that he should be able to find a consistent role on special teams as well.
With only 24 starts in 61 career games across his six seasons at Oregon and Florida, Bridges has never quite burst into the limelight despite his Power 4 pedigree. With a highly regarded position coach (Steve Clinkscale) and coordinator (Minter), there may be untapped potential waiting to be unleashed.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Why the Chargers selected DB Trikweze Bridges in Round 7
With their final selection in the 2025 NFL draft, the Chargers took defensive back Trikweze Bridges, who was announced as a corner after primarily playing safety for the Florida Gators in 2024.
A former three-star recruit from Alabama, Bridges played five seasons at Oregon before transferring to Florida for his final collegiate season. At 6’2 5/8″, 196 lbs, Bridges has the size and length to press players at corner, where he’s played at Oregon and Florida. His 4.45 40-yard dash speed at Florida’s pro day also gives him a ranginess at safety that the Chargers likely found appealing.
Bridges tested well overall at Florida’s pro day, which likely contributed to the Chargers spending a selection on him rather than risking their chances in undrafted free agency. His versatility across the secondary is something that defensive coordinator Jesse Minter will no doubt enjoy employing, and his testing suggests that he should be able to find a consistent role on special teams as well.
With only 24 starts in 61 career games across his six seasons at Oregon and Florida, Bridges has never quite burst into the limelight despite his Power 4 pedigree. With a highly regarded position coach (Steve Clinkscale) and coordinator (Minter), there may be untapped potential waiting to be unleashed.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Why the Chargers selected DB Trikweze Bridges in Round 7
