Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Commanders RB
There is more hype around Jacory Croskey-Merritt than most seventh-round picks receive in their first offseasons. The running back comes into the Washington Commanders with a big chip on his shoulder after seeing his draft stock plummet through no real fault of his own. And he's got an immediate role on the backfield rotation in his sights.
The Commanders believe Croskey-Merritt could be a steal. He's done nothing to diminish these claims over early workouts, displaying the speed and explosiveness that is scattered right across his college production.
The former Arizona and New Mexico star continued this positive trajectory on Day 1 of Washington's mandatory minicamp. It was a dazzling session from Croskey-Merritt that didn't go unnoticed by those watching from the sidelines.
Jackory Crowley-Merrittin slooooo mo pic.twitter.com/ytqqRrbXwF
— Mitchell Tischler (@Mitch_Tischler) June 10, 2025
Croskey-Merritt's decisiveness and pace of his cuts were highly impressive. The No. 245 overall selection also made his presence felt with a 60-yard run during team drills, which only whetted the appetite further about what the player might be capable of as a rookie.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt just showed his speed off on an outside zone round that he took to the house for 60 yards. #NFL #RaiseHail
— Lake Lewis Jr (@LakeLewisJr) June 10, 2025
This is yet another major statement of intent from Croskey-Merritt. His performance levels and the urgency with which he approaches everything are difficult to ignore. If he manages to keep this up over the summer, especially when carries come his way in the preseason, Kliff Kingsbury would be wise to include him in the offensive strategy immediately.
Luke McCaffrey - Commanders WR
All the talk has been on other wide receivers this offseason. The Commanders traded for Deebo Samuel Sr., drafted Jaylin Lane, and coaxed Michael Gallup out of retirement. That raises competition for places, which is bringing a positive response from Luke McCaffrey.
The No. 100 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft got plenty of reps as a rookie but very few targets. McCaffrey displayed encouraging signs in the return game, but that won't be his ambition again. He wants to become an influential member of the passing attack, and he's made a good start in pursuit of achieving this objective.
McCaffrey gave a good account of himself on Day 1. He created one of the memorable highlights, bursting downfield to beat Marshon Lattimore for a 40-yard reception. It'll take much more to stake a claim, but it's a sign that confidence is growing within the former Rice standout.
With Terry McLaurin absent as his contract stalemate shows no signs of being resolved, it presents an opportunity for others to showcase what they could potentially bring to the table. McCaffrey isn't the only one thriving, but more is expected of the Day 2 pick now that he's got some proven NFL experience under his belt.
Stacking positive performances is the next challenge, but he's off to a good start.