The Los Angeles Chagers put together a strong draft class in 2024, the first year of the Joe Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh experience. The two landed instant stars in Joe Alt and Ladd McConkey, as well as a smattering of solid depth pieces throughout the later rounds.
In fact, only three players in the nine-person draft class played less than 10 games for the Chargers in 2024, and one of them was placed on IR. Only fourth-rounder Justin Ebogibe and seventh-rounder Cornelius Johnson did not play due to ability alone.
Johnson was waived as part of the team's initial roster cutdowns last year, and he signed with the Green Bay Packers after spending a few days on the Chargers' practice squad. This year, Los Angeles is headed toward a similar fate with their seventh-rounder once again.
Chargers waive 2025 seventh-round cornerback Trikweze Bridges
After a series of horrendous showings in the preseason, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported that Los Angeles was waiving rookie cornerback Trikweze Bridges, who came to the Chargers in the seventh round of this year's draft from Florida.
Given that the team played in the Hall of Fame Game, Bridges had four chances to prove to the Chargers' front office and coaching staff that they made the right decision taking a chance on him late in the draft. However, he ultimately proved them wrong.
In four appearances this preseason, he was on the wrong end of several big plays by opponents. This is substantiated by his Pro Football Focus grade, which was a measly 49.6 despite playing against almost exclusively backup players.
RELATED: Chargers make first cut in WR Brenden Rice, son of Hall of Famer Jerry Rice
All told, he was targeted 16 times in four games and gave up 12 receptions for 212 yards and a touchdown. He also gave up 49 yards after the catch, relinquished a quarterback rating of 137.5 when targeted, and was penalized twice.
Obviously, the brass in Los Angeles saw something in him. Otherwise, they would not have utilized a draft pick on him. However, he clearly has a long way to go if he even wants to sniff the field for Jesse Minter's defense.
Ideally, he lands back on the practice squad and can spend the next year or so learning under players like Tarheeb Still and Donte Jackson, which would give him another shot at making a run for a roster spot this time next year.