The Washington Commanders' hopes for a return to the playoffs in 2026 will largely depend on the health of quarterback Jayden Daniels and the success of Adam Peters' rebuilt roster around him. But the team will also need continued growth out of its returning pieces.
Washington hit more often than it missed in the 2025 NFL Draft, and the most successful selection was the last one. That was running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, the No. 245 overall pick in the seventh round.
As a rookie, Croskey-Merritt saw his usage rise and fall throughout the year as he played in a committee with Austin Ekeler, Chris Rodriguez Jr., and Jeremy McNichols. Now, the hope is that he will be more consistently involved.
Could an even bigger breakout be on the horizon?
Croskey-Merritt appeared on the NFL Network with insiders Tom Pelissero and Judy Battista, where he shared insight into his approach to a crucial second professional season. Regarding how he can continue to take steps forward in the league, he had this to say:
"Just seeing what I thought I could've done better this year... next year, the things I struggled with won't happen again. Expanding my game, being able to do more as a running back, that's been my focus."
A big year 2 incoming for Bill 👀@TomPelissero | @Commanders | @JacoryMerritt15 pic.twitter.com/yrjSaTSQ5a
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) April 15, 2026
Despite being frozen out of the offense at times last season, Croskey-Merritt was able to total 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on the ground, in addition to nine receptions for 68 receiving yards. Among all rookie running backs, his yards ranked fourth, and his touchdown total ranked second, behind only TreVeyon Henderson of the New England Patriots.
In Year 2, Croskey-Merritt's role will be contingent upon what the Commanders do in the 2026 NFL Draft. If they select Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love at No. 7 overall, the second-year player will have to take a backseat. If not, he should lead a rotation that also will feature Rachaad White, Jerome Ford, and McNichols.
Croskey-Merritt is not much of a pass-catching threat out of the backfield and is not known as a blocker, so he'll probably never be an every-down bell cow. But he can be a lethal weapon when used appropriately, with his speed and shiftiness making him a home-run hitter who can burst for chunk yardage within David Blough's new offensive concepts.
As a rookie, Croskey-Merritt exceeded all expectations and then some for his lowly draft position. We'll see if he can do it again in Year 2.
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