The Chargers closed out the draft by selecting defensive back Trikweze Bridges in the seventh round (No. 256 overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft.
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Here are five things to know about the Florida defensive back:
1. Former Gator
Bridges will be flipping coasts now on the Chargers.
The defensive back spent his last year at Florida, where he became a big piece of their defense appearing in all 13 games.
Despite not beginning the season as a starter, he would eventually take over the role and start the final seven games.
He finished leading the team with 70 tackles (38 solo) in addition to two interceptions, six pass breakups, one tackle for loss and two forced fumbles last season.
He did not allow a touchdown when targeted in 2024, ranking third among all SEC defensive backs with at least 400 snaps in passer rating against when targeted (29.9), according to Pro Football Focus.
2. Anywhere in the secondary
The defensive back showed off his versatility during his college career.
Bridges lined up and excelled wherever he was needed in college, whether it be as a strong safety, free safety or wide cornerback.
During his impressive final season at Florida, he played the first eight games of the season in both safety spots before flipping over and starting the final five games of the season as an outside cornerback.
Take a look through some photos of the Chargers selection at No. 256 in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Cornerback, Trikweze Bridges from the University of Florida.
Oregon defensive back Trikweze Bridges lines up for a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Washington State, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)
Oregon defensive back Trikweze Bridges (11) celebrates after breaking up a North Carolina play in the end zone during the second half of the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)
Oregon defensive back Trikweze Bridges (11) catches a pass before an NCAA college football game against Utah Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Oregon defensive back Trikweze Bridges (11) catches a pass before an NCAA college football game against Utah Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Oregon defensive back Trikweze Bridges (11) runs up field before an NCAA college football game against Utah Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Florida defensive back Trikweze Bridges (7) in action during an NCAA college football game against Kentucky, Saturday, Oct. 19 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. Florida defeated Kentucky 48-20. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Florida defensive back Trikweze Bridges (7) follows a play against Georgia during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) is hit by Florida defensive back Trikweze Bridges (7) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Florida defensive back Trikweze Bridges (7) sets up for a play against Georgia during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Florida defensive back Trikweze Bridges (7) reacts after defensive back Bryce Thornton's game-sealing win against Mississippi during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Florida defensive back Trikweze Bridges (7) sets up for a play against Georgia during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Florida defensive back Trikweze Bridges (7) sets up for a play against Georgia during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Florida defensive back Trikweze Bridges (7) follows a play against Georgia during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Florida defensive back Trikweze Bridges (7) sets up for a play against Georgia during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Mississippi wide receiver Jordan Watkins (11) catches a pass in front of Florida defensive back Trikweze Bridges (7) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Mississippi wide receiver Jordan Watkins (11) catches a pass in front of Florida defensive back Trikweze Bridges (7) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
3. Physical in the run game
Listed at 6-foot-2, Bridges' size makes him a big factor in the run game — and he doesn't shy away from it either.
He posted a strong career-best in PFF run defense grade with a 77.7 and often got in the mix on running downs.
Bridges led the Gators defensive backs with 24 tackles in the run game, adding 10 run stops as well in 2024.
4. Five years at Oregon
Bridges spent time at Oregon prior to his time with the Gators.
After redshirting his freshman year in 2019, he spent a total of five years with the Ducks and played in 48 games.
He became a key figure starting in the 2022 season, where he had a career-high 49 total tackles (30 solo) and three interceptions while starting each game for them that year.
5. Record-breaking safety in the state
The defensive back was a playmaker even on the prep level.
Bridges set state career records for interceptions (36) and interceptions returned for touchdowns (13) during his time at Lanett High School in Alabama.
He became the top ranked safety prospect in the state after earning three straight all-state honors over his time at the school.
