Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Commanders RB
The Washington Commanders waited a long time before adding to their running back room this offseason. Adam Peters saw something in Jacory Croskey-Merritt that others didn't, spending the No. 245 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft on a promising prospect who's endured a turbulent time of late.
Croskey-Merritt's draft stock plummeted after having his eligibility revoked by the NCAA one game into his transfer to Arizona. Although disappointing, the backfield threat landed in a fantastic spot to gain immediate involvement.
The Commanders' ground game regressed last season. Peters is giving those who contributed last season another go-around in the hope that Washington's offensive line upgrades can help them become more consistent. If not, Croskey-Merritt is a nice insurance policy with the explosiveness needed to add an extra injection of energy.
Early reports have been glowing around Croskey-Merritt over early workouts. His conviction to exploit gaps and his ability as a pass-catcher have caught the eye of those in attendance at OTAs. If the same trend continues, it will shake up the running back dynamic considerably.
Tyler Owens - Commanders S
There is another safety option who could force the issue in pursuit of more involvement next season. That, of course, is second-year pro Tyler Owens.
The former undrafted free agent out of Texas Tech became one of Washington's most heartwarming stories last season. Owens came from nowhere to book his place on the 53-man roster, which is nothing more than what the defensive back deserved after a phenomenal transition to a professional environment.
Owens didn't get any involvement on the defensive rotation, being deployed on special teams instead. This wasn't entirely surprising, especially considering he also suffered an injury midway through the campaign, but the experience of being around the squad during a memorable campaign should serve him well.
There is an opening for Owens this summer. He's got the size and athleticism to potentially fill the void left by Jeremy Chinn or at least become a prominent piece of the rotation. That only happens if the NFL sophomore stands out at mandatory minicamp and throughout the summer.
Jordan Magee - Commanders LB
The Commanders ran it back with Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu as their dynamic linebacking tandem, which is the biggest positive imaginable. But those in power will be hoping one of their young stars at the defensive second level comes to the fore alongside the veteran duo.
Kain Medrano is an intriguing rookie, but he's extremely raw from a technical standpoint. Jordan Magee looks like the primary candidate to break out, and he's got the physical tools to make an impression with the correct development this summer.
Magee was a standout over early workouts last year before injuring his knee. That stunted his development considerably, and the Commanders rightfully took their time with the former Temple standout to avoid further complications upon his return.
Bigger things are expected of Magee this time around. Joe Whitt Jr. singled him out recently as a player who could take a huge leap. This faith must be repaid by the linebacker whenever opportunities come his way at mandatory minicamp.