Undrafted large receiver Shemar Bridges generated some buzz Thursday night time along with his excellent efficiency in opposition to the Tennessee Titans within the preseason opener, however it’s simply a part of his lengthy journey to the NFL.
The 6-foot-4, 207-pound rookie out of Division II Fort Valley State completed with 4 catches for 62 yards, together with a leaping 38-yard catch and a 14-yard landing seize.
Finally, the Ravens had a receiver who may make acrobatic catches and not fall down when he caught a go over the center, or bolt for the sidelines.
But Thursday night time was solely a glimpse of Bridges’ potential. He is mainly nonetheless a uncooked expertise.
“He’s a good young prospect that’s really flashing,” stated Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman. “All of these younger guys, they’re working on daily basis on these completely different instruments, and I feel he’s a really diligent employee. Everyone has room for enchancment, however I’m actually proud of the place he’s at and what he’s proven up to now.
“But he’s right at the beginning of his journey, so there is a lot of work to be done yet, and a lot of experience to be had. But he’s doing a nice job.”
Those phrases is likely to be disheartening for some younger gamers, however not Bridges. Despite his velocity, massive body, robust arms and leaping capacity, he wants to enhance on his route working and hand placement. He’s getting too prolonged and his arms are too far-off from his physique when catching the ball.
Bridges, although, likes the problem. He attended The Potter’s House High School, a small Christian Academy in Jacksonville not identified for turning out faculty soccer gamers. He ultimately went to Tusculum University in Tennessee earlier than transferring to Fort Valley State, a traditionally Black college in Georgia.
Bridges, 24, appeared in solely 16 video games at Fort Valley State as a result of his seasons had been reduce quick by coronavirus considerations and accidents, however he nonetheless had 98 profession receptions for 1,358 yard and 7 touchdowns.
That wasn’t sufficient to get him invited to the annual NFL Scouting Combine, however it was sufficient for the Ravens to supply him a tryout in coaching camp — some groups solely provided him a short look in minicamps.
“I came out of high school as a late bloomer and once I got to Fort Valley, we had the COVID issues, so I thought it would be better for me to wait and put in another year,” stated Bridges. “It took me a bit longer to get right here however I’m simply completely satisfied to be right here. I respect all the pieces I went by way of as a result of it made me stronger.
“Some ups and downs, some bumpy roads, but God blessed me to be here. I give all the glory to my Lord and savior Jesus Christ that I’m here. I’m just thankful for the Ravens for giving me an opportunity. I’m just trying to make the most of it.”
Bridges’ successes in coaching camp have outweighed his setbacks. Like most younger gamers, there’s a fixed battle between fatigue and focus, and he’s dropped a couple of passes. He additionally must be smoother going out and in of breaks.
There is potential for Bridges to be that “big-body” wideout. He makes use of his physique like an influence ahead or former Ravens receiver Anquan Boldin. You get place and protect the ball away from defenders.
Then there may be the vertical leap, which is tougher than most individuals understand. It’s not nearly positioning however timing the leap and having the finger energy to carry it down. It might be a luxurious for the Ravens, whose beginning receivers, on common, are about 6 ft tall.
Every quarterback loves a giant receiver within the purple zone. In faculty, Bridges had just one coach. In Baltimore, he has two positional coaches in large receivers coach Tee Martin and the extremely animated Keith Williams, the crew’s go recreation specialist. Both have hastened Bridges’ improvement.
“They treat you like regular guys. They can get on you in the room, but you can also sit with them, laugh and joke,” Bridges stated. “They are very private.
“I feel like I’m a big receiver who can play big. But also, I feel like I’m learning how to run routes and being able to be flexible and versatile with my size, to catch over people and to box people out.”
The key to Bridges making the ultimate roster may come all the way down to him taking part in on particular groups. If he’s a second- or third-team receiver, he has to have the ability to contribute in another approach like former Ravens receiver Miles Boykin, who was a gunner on the punt crew. The Ravens are leaving Bridges an choice.
“It’s like all the young guys; he has got to come out here, and he’s just got to compete,” stated particular groups coach Chris Horton. “Shemar, he has done a good job, and we’ve got to just find ways to put him in the right position and just let him go play. But he’ll get a chance to showcase his skills [as a gunner]. He’s just got to keep working.”
Oh, he’ll. Bridges doesn’t know every other approach. His journey might be almost full if he makes the preliminary 53-man roster.
“I just have to keep grinding and keep working,” he stated. “And, stay humble.”
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Source: www.bostonherald.com