Could Jacory Croskey-Merritt earn the Commanders' starting RB spot in 2025?
Croskey-Merritt was a seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Arizona, appearing in just one game during his final year of college. The rookie's legs look fresh, showcasing his explosiveness with every carry so far.
Brian Robinson projects to be the starter in Washington to begin the regular season, but if Croskey-Merritt continues to impress, things could change very quickly.
Before his year with the Wildcats, Croskey-Merritt showcased his ability to handle a large workload on the ground. In 12 games with the New Mexico Lobos in 2023, he ran for 1,190 yards and 17 touchdowns on 189 attempts.
Despite Robinson currently controlling the starting spot in the backfield, the Commanders haven't been afraid to utilize a running back by committee in the past.
Austin Ekeler projects to see the field in passing situations, where Croskey-Merritt could supplement Robinson's earlier-down work.
Fans in Washington are quickly falling in love with how the rookie has begun his first training camp, garnering a lot of attention both on the field and in the media.
Jayden Daniels' ability to keep defenses honest in the run game does wonders for any running back lined up beside him, and Croskey-Merritt is looking to take advantage of seeing less attention than ever.
As a former zero-star recruit out of high school who had to begin his college career in the FCS, Croskey-Merritt has always been an underdog with the mentality to prove his doubters wrong. So far, to start training camp, he's been doing just that.
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