Drafted: Round 7 (No. 245 Overall)
The final running back to be selected in the 2025 NFL draft could wind up being remembered as one of, if not the best in the class.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt, nicknamed Bill, began turning heads shortly after entering the league. The New Mexico product’s work throughout training camp and the preseason was so impressive that Washington’s brass felt comfortable dealing incumbent starter Brian Robinson Jr. away so the team could elevate its breakout rookie into a more prominent role.
That decision paid off in the opener when Croskey-Merritt gashed the New York Giants for 82 yards and a touchdown on his 10 totes. While the rookie back came down to earth in Week 2 in a disappointing 27-18 loss, he still chipped in a decent 17 yards on a meager four carries against the Green Bay Packers.
With veteran starter Austin Ekeler suffering a potential career-ending Achilles tear in Week 2, JCM is now poised to take on an even larger workload going forward. He’s been elevated to the Commanders’ RB1 role and should get the bulk of touches over backups Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez.
The best is still to come from Croskey-Merritt. He’s already massively outperformed expectations for a player drafted in a spot where even making the final roster is far from guaranteed. If he can capitalize on his newly expanded duties, Bill may even find himself right in the thick of the Offensive Rookie of the Year race.
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