Dragging from bridge to illustrator

I have a collection of digital elements all saved as separate .ai files which I catalog in Bridge CC 2017

When I am designing in illustrator CC I have bridge open and like to drag in the different elements I will be using on that piece.

I would like to be able to simply drag in the element on its own but when I pull something in it comes over with a clipping mask and groups and I spend a few minutes trying to get the element on its own.

I don't want to link the file but I have tried embedding it which it does but it stays within the clipping mask.

Is there a way to literally drag the element its self into Illustrator without the masks and such which accompany it?

thank you