Shemar Bridges Prototypical X-Reciever
Shemar Bridges is 6’5 210 pounds and fits the mold of a prototypical X receiver. Over the years we have seen teams who rely on running quarterbacks, opt for larger receivers with a much bigger catch radius. It seems the Ravens will look to follow this thought process, and Bridges fits that role perfectly.
College Career
Paired with Quarterback Slade Jarman, Bridges was able to find a rhythm in his second college season. Unfortunately COVID would limit him to just two games.
Due to circumstances outside of his control he was held to just 2 games in the “2020” season which both occurred in Spring 2021. He would rack up 13 receptions for 301 yards and 2 touchdown going over 140 yards in both games. These two games showcased his ability to take over a game. This would show up again in the 2021 season.
In 2021, Bridges entering his last season of college knee he needed a strong performance to solidify his draft status. Playing in the first three games of the season he would again show shades of dominance at this level.
Playing against Tuskegee, Florida A&M, and Lane College didn’t seem to phase Bridges. He went on to log seven, five, and twelve receptions respectively. After three games in which he would rack up 24 receptions for 251 yards. He would suffer an injury and miss a couple of games.
In an attempt to return to the field too soon he would play, just one month and five days removed from his injury. In this game it was apparent he wasn’t 100%, catching just four passes for 41 yards. The team would shut him down for the rest of the season.
Undrafted But Not Without Options
This untimely injury prevented him from being drafted. However he landed on the Ravens as an undrafted free agent. This was the best possible case scenario for Bridges. He lands with a team that let all their veteran receivers walk in free agency.
Sammy Watkins, Hollywood Brown, and Myles Boykin have moved on, and despite this the Ravens didn’t address the position via the draft. This allows Bridges a fair opportunity to compete for one of the bottom two roster spots in training camp while also earning a bigger role in the offense as time goes on.
With his size, deep threat ability, and catch radius I believe Shemar Bridges has the inside track to being on the active roster for Baltimore following final cuts. Currently he is competing with five over college free agent rookies, and two more players who were undrafted free agents last in 2020 or 2021. Atop the depth chart are four former draft picks by the Ravens.
However, the wide receiver depth chart is extremely young in Baltimore. Currently the oldest receivers are James Proche, and Binjimen Victor at 25 years old. The most interesting part of this wide receiver room, is the fact that all in one offseason every veteran receiver was gone. Is this a sign of bigger things to come? Could receivers be upset at the prospect of playing with a run first offense, and a quarterback whose accuracy isn’t necessarily his strong suit? This will be something to monitor going forward.
Last Words on Shemar Bridges
Bridges when asked discussed that he had a feeling Baltimore would be his landing spot, due to their pre-draft interest. He also mentioned that the team was unaware of his connection to the team. His Stepfather had played for the Baltimore Ravens before heading up to the CFL to continue his career. His stepfathers career in Baltimore may have been short-lived, but Bridges is looking to cement their legacy as a family in the NFL in 2022 and beyond.
Check out the full interview below:
