Commanders Draft Pick Draws Comparison to Underrated Running Back
The Washington Commanders made five selections in the 2025 NFL Draft, with three of them being on offense, and the other two on defense.
Their final pick was in the seventh round, and they used it on Arizona running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Many might look over this pick and write him off, but Ryan McCafferty of Riggo's Rag compares him to a running back the Commanders drafted back in 2012.
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"The most successful Washington backfield steal in recent times has to be Alfred Morris," McCafferty writes. "The Florida Atlantic product was a Week 1 starter as a sixth-round pick in 2012. While all the attention was on NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Robert Griffin III, he quietly put up one of the best seasons in league history by a first-year rusher... Comparing Croskey-Merritt to Morris may seem like quite the hot take, but it's not impossible."
Morris put up 1,613 yards and 13 touchdowns in his rookie season with Washington. While Croskey-Merritt will not be a starter in his first year, McCafferty thinks he could make his impact felt when he is given the opportunity.
The 24-year-old back only played one game for the Arizona Wildcats due to eligibility issues, but his numbers at New Mexico were very solid. He racked up 1,190 rushing yards and 18 total touchdowns, and he did so on a very efficient 6.3 yards per attempt.
While Croskey-Merritt will most likely not get a ton of snaps in his rookie season due to the Commanders' crowded running back room, he can bide his time and prove to the team that he was a steal in the seventh round when his time comes.
Related: Commanders Have 1 Glaring Roster Hole Stopping Super Bowl Charge
Related: Commanders Invite Sean Taylor's Brother to Rookie Minicamp
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