Florida defensive back Trikweze Bridges played an instrumental role in the defensive turnaround in 2024. With the Gators’ secondary depleted with injuries, Bridges was called upon to play cornerback after spending the first half of the season at safety.
In 13 games played last year, Bridges allowed just 14 receptions for 154 yards on 35 targets, posting the lowest reception percentage (40) among Gators with more than 20 coverage snaps. He also recorded four pass break ups and two interceptions while not allowing a single touchdown in coverage. The Alabama native held opposing quarterbacks to a 29.9 passer rating when targeted, the lowest on the Gators.
Despite the impressive numbers, improved tackling, and overall athleticism, Bridges was not invited to the 2025 NFL Combine, which came as a shock to the Gators’ staff.
“I was a little disappointed in my opinion, I felt like he was a no-brainer combine player,” head coach Billy Napier said on Bridges. “The way he finished the year, the position flexibility, the height, length and speed, a matchup player…I think that’s going to take care of itself. He may not have made it to the combine, but these teams will do their homework, and the film speaks for itself.”
The good news is that the NFL Combine is not the end all be all. You can still be drafted with an impressive showing at your Pro Day. The most recent success story at UF was linebacker Amari Burney, who was also not invited to the NFL Combine but performed exceptionally well at Florida’s Pro Day two years ago. Burney went on to be drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 6th round and has carved out of a role with the team.
Bridges was one of 20 Gators to work out in front of all 32 NFL teams at Florida’s 2025 Pro Day on Thursday morning. The 6’2, 196-pound defensive back started the day with a 34.5″ vertical, the third highest of the day.
While his vertical would have ranked middle of the pack among defensive backs at the NFL Combine, Bridges stole the show with a 4.38 official 40-yard dash, which would have been the 6th fastest time among cornerbacks at the combine and third fastest among safeties.
“I felt like I did what I wanted to do,” Bridges said on his Pro Day. “My goal was a 4.3 and I was able to do that today. Very excited and pleased with that.”
Bridges snub from the NFL Combine put a chip on his shoulder heading into today.
“I’ve always been one of those guys that I felt like people slept on. I was like, ‘you know what, it’s okay’. God has a plan for me, I have a different journey from everybody else,” Bridges said on not being invited to the combine. “Today I was able to show who I am and what I can do.”
Throughout the draft process, Bridges has received a lot of positive feedback on his position flexibility. NFL teams like that he’s willing to play whatever position they need.
“Wherever you want to put me,” Bridges told NFL teams when asked which position he prefers. “I know I can play corner and I know I can play safety and be comfortable with those two positions. Me being able to show that versatility here, play those different positions, it’s very helpful to a team. It’s a value.”
Bridges has the length, speed, and coverage skills to play corner, STAR, or safety at the next level. After an impressive Pro Day, Bridges had a meeting with the Atlanta Falcons.