Commanders' draft pick has fans questioning everything after only one season

For teams eliminated from postseason contention, Week 18 often becomes less about the scoreboard and more about the future.

For the Washington Commanders, sitting at 4-12, the regular-season finale is a critical evaluation window for young players who may shape the roster moving forward.

Few players embody that opportunity more clearly than rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt.

A seventh-round selection rarely enters the league with expectations beyond depth and special teams value. However, Croskey Merritt has been different.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt is giving the Commanders a nice problem to have

In limited but increasingly meaningful opportunities throughout his rookie campaign, he has shown the traits teams seek when trying to uncover value late on Day 3. His vision between the tackles stands out first, as he consistently identifies creases early, presses his leverage effectively, and understands how to manipulate second-level defenders to create extra yardage.

That vision is paired with an electric first step following the mesh point, allowing him to capitalize before the lanes close. And while the former Alabama State-to-Arizona product isn't a back who needs perfect blocking surfaces to be productive, his ability to get north quickly and generate momentum through contact has translated to the professional level. This is exceptionally positive in short-yardage and goal-line situations despite being a smaller back.

That skill set is reflected clearly in the production. Croskey-Merritt enters the season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles as the NFL leader among rookie running backs in touchdowns with eight — the most for a seventh-round selection in the last three decades.

And he's got much more than personal statistics on the line at Lincoln Financial Field, one of the most intimidating venues in the country.

Against an Eagles defense that remains deep and physical up front, Week 18 offers a meaningful test. Philadelphia’s front stresses discipline and gap integrity, making vision and decisiveness essential traits. For Washington’s staff, the week provides valuable tape on how Croskey-Merritt responds to speed, power, and complexity at the line of scrimmage.

But beyond the immediate result, the larger question revolves around projection.

If his pass protection and receiving usage continue to develop, the foundation is there for Croskey-Merritt to enter 2026 as a legitimate RB1 candidate within the offense. And finding that caliber of player late in the draft alters roster construction and resource allocation.

The Commanders have a plethora of glaring roster needs. But if Croskey-Merritt can bolster his stock before the offseason, that might be one less riddle for Dan Quinn and Adam Peters to solve.