Jacory Croskey-Merritt is looking to prove that his shocking rookie surge was no flash in the pan this season. And one Washington Commanders insider believes that he's got the tools to become the running back room's top dog.
Longstanding ESPN beat writer John Keim will be keeping a close eye on Croskey-Merritt when training camp begins this week. While the competition for carries has increased exponentially after a busy offseason from general manager Adam Peters, the second-year pro has the explosiveness needed to remain a key part of David Blough's offensive plans.
"Washington signed veterans Rachaad White and Jerome Ford in free agency, but (Jacory) Croskey-Merritt offers more potential explosiveness as a runner. As a rookie in 2025, he ranked eighth in percentage of runs gaining 10-plus yards for backs with 150 or more carries. His improvement in the pass game will be key."
It seems as if the Commanders will move forward with a committee approach. There isn't an elite-level presence, which is fine. There are still productive ways to generate significant yards on the ground, and Washington believes having multiple backs to lean on is the best way forward.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt can become a focal point of Commanders' offense under David Blough
That said, it would be a massive boost to everyone involved if Croskey-Merritt can firmly establish himself as the true RB1.
He's put in the hard yards to be ready for the new campaign, bulking up over the offseason. The No. 245 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft has also been working on problem areas of his game — pass blocking and pass-catching — in pursuit of taking the next step.
The Commanders didn't bring in free-agent signing Rachaad White to sit on the sidelines. He's an accomplished dual-threat asset with a previous connection to quarterback Jayden Daniels from their time together at Arizona State. Washington also signed Jerome Ford and spent a sixth-round selection on Kaytron Allen, the all-time leading rusher at Penn State who promises to bring a more physical presence to the unit.
All signs are pointing up. But if Croskey-Merritt can build on his exceptional rookie flashes, that could be a game-changer.
Croskey-Merritt became arguably the steal of the draft, going over 800 rushing yards and coming up with some electrifying highlights along the way. Eligibility issues at Arizona denied him a true final college season, but it also meant the Commanders got a hungry player with a huge chip on his shoulder for nothing more than a seventh-round selection.
And if he manages to raise his influence to become a more well-rounded running back, this offense has the scope to take off with Blough at the controls.
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