Adam Peters only had five picks during the 2025 NFL Draft. Considering the limited resources at his disposal, the Washington Commanders got some good returns despite resisting trade-down offers early in the process.
And each member of Washington's 2025 draft class already has one NFL-ready trait to build upon moving forward.
The Commanders needed to find some immediate difference-makers from the college ranks. Their Super Bowl window is open, and Peters's aggressive nature over the offseason meant being more selective was crucial. Spending his picks wisely, playing the board effectively, and trusting his assessments brought some decent prospects into the fold. Now, it's a case of proving themselves in a professional setting.
Hopes are high. The Commanders' draft class has been largely well-received by fans and media alike. There were some questionable decisions — not taking an edge rusher is right at the top — but the team's supporters have complete faith in Peters and trust his roster construction.
That said, here is one NFL-ready trait that each Commanders' draft pick in 2025 already flashes.
One NFL-ready trait each Commanders draft pick already flashes
Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Commanders RB
- NFL-ready trait: Gap exploitation
The Washington Commanders made their fans wait until the team's last pick in the 2025 NFL Draft for running back help. Adam Peters took Jacory Croskey-Merritt at No. 245 overall, which comes with significant intrigue despite his rocky road to the pro ranks.
Croskey-Merritt had his eligibility revoked by the NCAA after just one game with the Arizona Wildcats. This was extremely harsh by all accounts, but it made the player even more determined to seize his NFL moment when it eventually arrived.
The Commanders spent plenty of time examining Croskey-Merritt's credentials in greater detail throughout their comprehensive pre-draft assessments. They were suitably impressed, and there's a growing sense around the media that Washington could have a steal on its hands.
While Croskey-Merritt doesn't have the elite-level speed, it's sufficient. One thing that already looks NFL-ready regarding his production is gap exploitation when opportunities arise.
There's a lot to like about Croskey-Merritt's conviction. He's a one-cut slasher who runs with aggression and purpose. His physicality can make people miss, and the player's contact balance is improving rapidly.
If Croskey-Merritt can hit the ground running this offseason (pun intended), the Commanders could utilize him in the backfield rotation immediately. That represents the best-case scenario considering the current questions around players like Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler.