Latest news with #ShemarJames
USA Today
12-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Former Florida football players Shemar James, Trikweze Bridges sign NFL rookie contracts
Former Florida football players Shemar James, Trikweze Bridges sign NFL rookie contracts Former Florida football linebacker Shemar James and defensive back Trikweze Bridges have signed rookie contracts after being selected in the 2025 NFL draft. James was selected in the fifth round (No. 152 overall) by the Dallas Cowboys. He has signed a four-year rookie deal worth $4.62 million, including a $423,436 signing bonus, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC. A reliable presence at inside linebacker over three seasons with the Gators, James finished with 64 total tackles, two sacks and an interception last season. He earned SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors after dominating the LSU Tigers with a season-high 11 tackles, two sacks and an interception. The Mobile, Alabama, native ended his college career with 166 tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles and a reputation as one of the SEC's most instinctive defenders. Bridges was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the seventh round (No. 256 overall) and has also signed a four-year rookie contract, the team announced. While financial details were not disclosed, his deal is expected to be worth around $4.3 million. A transfer from Oregon, Bridges quickly established himself as a leader in Florida's secondary last season, starting the final seven games and leading the team in tackles (70). He added two interceptions, six pass breakups and two forced fumbles in his lone season in Gainesville. With multiple former Gators signing professional contracts, head coach Billy Napier and his staff continue to prove they can prepare talent for the next level. Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cowboys trade up for Florida linebacker in Round 5 of 2025 NFL Draft
FRISCO (SILVER STAR NATION) — America's Team traded two picks to move up in the fifth round, adding depth to their defense with their second selection of Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft. SILVER STAR NATION: Former Texas Longhorn now a Dallas Cowboy The Arizona Cardinals traded Pick 152 to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for Pick 174 and Pick 211. With Pick 152 in Round 5 of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected Shemar James, a linebacker from the University of Florida. Height — 6'1″ Weight — 222 pounds Wingspan — 77.75 inches Arm Length — 31.5 inches 40-yard Dash — 4.69 seconds Vertical Jump — 32 inches 3-Cone Drill — 7.09 seconds 20-Yard Shuttle — 4.27 seconds SILVER STAR NATION: Cowboys draft potential game-changing CB in Round 3 Year Tackles TFL Sacks Interceptions 2022 47 2.0 2.0 0 2023 55 5.5 1.0 0 2024 64 4.0 2.0 1 TOTAL 166 11.5 5.0 1 The Cowboys saw something special with Shemar James, sending two Day 3 picks to the Arizona Cardinals to move up 22 spots and draft the two-year starter from the University of Florida. For the Gators, James served as the weakside linebacker, which typically is a role played by the most athletic linebackers. James has speed and plays loose, appearing to flow freely while on the field. His twitch, speed, and ability to change directions make it possible for James to make plays everywhere. SILVER STAR NATION: Cowboys add pass rusher in Round 2 of 2025 NFL Draft Despite being one of the youngest players in the 2025 draft class at just 20 years old, James was a team captain for the Gators. His head coach, Billy Napier, described him as a great teammate and an energetic leader. Where James needs to continue developing in order to become an everyday NFL player are his instincts and play recognition. At times, he was slow to diagnose plays as they were developing, and if he missed a step, he had trouble recovering. James also needs to improve his tackling. According to an NFL draft analyst, he missed more tackles than he made on special teams. If James is able to develop, he has the athletic tools to become a quality NFL starter. 2025 NFL DRAFT: How to watch, dates, draft order, and potential top picks The 2025 NFL Draft concludes on Saturday, April 26, 2025, with Rounds 4 through 7. After the trade with Arizona to move up in the fifth round, the Cowboys now have one pick in Round 6. Barring any more trades, the Cowboys have four picks remaining in the 2025 NFL Draft: Round Pick Overall Notes 6 28 204 From DET by CLE, BUF 7 1 217 From NE 7 23 239 From GB by TEN 7 31 247 From KC by CAR SILVER STAR NATION: Cowboys take top offensive guard in Round 1 of 2025 NFL Draft The Cowboys used their first four picks in the 2025 NFL Draft to select potential difference-making players on both sides of the football. For more information on the Cowboys' previous draft picks, click on the links or photos below: Silver Star Nation will be providing in-depth coverage of all of the Dallas Cowboys' picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. KFDX Sports Director Tobin McDuff and Sports Anchor M.J. Baird will be at The Star in Frisco, providing live coverage and reactions as each pick is made. Reporter Josh Hoggard will publish in-depth analysis of each new player added to the Cowboys 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
26-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Shemar James drafted by Dallas Cowboys: Florida football linebacker heads to NFL
Shemar James drafted by Dallas Cowboys: Florida football linebacker heads to NFL Former Florida football linebacker Shemar James has officially made the leap to the NFL, selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round (pick No. 152) of the 2025 NFL draft. James, a three-year standout for the Gators, capped off a decorated college career by hearing his name called after a 2024 season that showcased his leadership and playmaking ability. The Mobile, Alabama native was a team captain in Gainesville, and it showed in his production: 64 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery across 13 starts. A former Freshman All-SEC honoree, James consistently rose to the occasion against elite competition. His performance against the LSU Tigers–racking up 11 tackles, two sacks and earning SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors–highlighted why NFL scouts pegged him as a top linebacker prospect. James impressed throughout the pre-draft process, standing out at the NFL Combine and the Reese's Senior Bowl. Known for his sideline-to-sideline speed, coverage skills and physicality at 6-foot-1-inch and 229 pounds, he fits the modern NFL linebacker mold perfectly. Across his career with the Orange and Blue, James totaled 166 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, five sacks and three forced turnovers, despite a season-ending injury midway through 2023 that only fueled his comeback story. A former five-star recruit and one of the top linebackers nationally out of high school, James chose Florida over offers from the Alabama Crimson Tide, Georgia Bulldogs and Florida State Seminoles. The Cowboys are getting a battle-tested leader who thrives on big stages–and who's just getting started. Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
USA Today
26-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Arizona Cardinals trade down in 5th round of NFL draft, acquiring a sixth-round pick
Arizona Cardinals trade down in 5th round of NFL draft, acquiring a sixth-round pick The Cardinals picked up a sixth-round pick by moving back 22 spots in the fifth round. The Arizona Cardinals did not make any draft-day trades on Day 1 or Day 2 of the 2025 NFL draft, despite having some offers, Day 3 brought a deal. When they were on the clock in the fifth round with the 152nd pick in the draft, the Dallas Cowboys came calling. The Cardinals traded pick No. 152 to the Cowboys for No. 174 (still in the fifth round) and No. 211 (in Round 6). The Cardinals did not have a pick in the sixth round, so now they have three picks remaining. It was the Cardinals' seventh draft-day trade under general manager Monti Ossenfort. Six have been to move back in the draft to acquire more picks. The Cowboys used the pick they acquired to select Florida linebacker Shemar James. Arizona Cardinals remaining Day 3 draft picks After the trade, they have one pick in the three remaining rounds: Round 5, No. 174 overall Round 6, No. 211 overall Round 7, No. 255 overall Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
USA Today
02-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Arizona Cardinals met with Florida LB at NFL combine
Arizona Cardinals met with Florida LB at NFL combine The Cardinals had a unique meeting with a LB prospect one of their coaches knew quite well The Arizona Cardinals had the opportunity to meet with many draft prospects at the NFL combine this past week. We have learned of several of them. One player they met with has a connection to their coaching staff. Florida linebacker Shemar James revealed during his media interview at the combine that he had a "unique" interview with the Cardinals, as Cardinals defensive backs coach Patrick Toney was Florida's defensive coordinator (co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach) when James was a freshman. James is a 6-foot-1, 222-pound linebacker. He played three seasons for the Gators. In 2024, he had 64 total tackles, four for loss, two sacks, an interception, three pass breakups, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He did all the drills at the combine except for the bench press. He ran the 40 in 4.69 seconds and posted a 7.09-second three-cone, 4.27-second short shuttle, 32-inch vertical leap and 117-inch broad jump. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
