The Washington Commanders didn't have much go right for them in 2025, but one player who emerged from the season as a shining bright spot was Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Now, the second-year running back will have a foundation to build upon.
A season ago, Croskey-Merritt was playing with house money. But more will be needed this time around to cement his status as a long-term piece of Washington's puzzle.
Croskey-Merritt had zero expectations as a seventh-round pick, and was so impressive over the offseason that starting running back Brian Robinson Jr. was traded to the San Francisco 49ers to make room for him to play a featured role.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt must prove Commanders rookie surge was no fluke
Before he even took a regular-season snap, he'd become an immediate fan favorite.
And Croskey-Merritt's rookie exploits only endeared him further to Washington's passionate support.
Croskey-Merritt led the team with 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns despite inconsistent usage. That was a resounding success for the final running back selected in his draft class. But now, it's what's expected from him.
Entering Year 2, Croskey-Merritt is no longer just a late Day 3 pick who turned into a sensation. He's now the Commanders' primary rusher, and he's going to be held to the standard of producing like one.
He'll have to do it following a limited offseason.
Croskey-Merritt didn't play all preseason with a groin injury, which wasn't the first setback he encountered over the summer. He's on track to play in Week 1, and he'd better be prepared against the Philadelphia Eagles' vicious defensive front that features game-changers everywhere you look.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt's hard work over the offseason should bring significant rewards
On a positive note, Croskey-Merritt has also put on considerable muscle this offseason. Concerns about his thin frame were among the reasons why he fell in the draft, and perhaps why he was trusted only in certain situations a season ago.
Now, he should have a full opportunity to show what he's capable of as a lead NFL back.
Croskey-Merritt will be part of a committee with Rachaad White and sixth-round rookie Kaytron Allen. But make no mistake; he is the main guy in the backfield.
White will be brought in as a pass-catcher. Allen will get on the field situationally, but neither should significantly eat into the second-year pro's touches.
The most telling sign of a successful season for Croskey-Merritt will be his growth in other facets of his position. His added muscle should help him as a blocker, and if he can emerge as even an adequate receiving threat, the sky is the limit.
Croskey-Merritt can be a dynamic weapon for Washington in David Blough's new offense, which should emphasize establishing the run given his background. If his usage improves as expected, a 1,000-yard season with Pro Bowl consideration shouldn't be out of the question.
Everybody loves a great success story, and Croskey-Merritt has already come further than anybody envisioned.
Now we'll see just how far he can go.
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