Jacory Croskey-Merritt: Ready to lead the Commanders’ backfield?

With reports swirling that the Washington Commanders are looking to trade running back Brian Robinson Jr. this pre-season, a golden opportunity has emerged for a seventh-round rookie to claim a major role in the team’s backfield for the 2025 season. Enter Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt, a 24-year-old speedster whose electrifying pre-season performances have sparked excitement around the Commanders’ offence.

Yet, as fantasy managers and supporters scramble to gauge the implications, critical questions remain: Is Croskey-Merritt ready to step up as a starter, or will veteran Austin Ekeler remain the linchpin of Washington’s ground game?

From College journeyman to NFL prospect

Croskey-Merritt’s journey to the NFL is a classic tale of grit and determination. Born on 12 April 2001 in Montgomery, Alabama, the 5-foot-11, 208-pound running back began his college career at Alabama State before moving to New Mexico and then Arizona, where he completed his eligibility in 2024.

At Arizona, he displayed a potent mix of power and agility, amassing significant all-purpose yards and earning Shrine Bowl Offensive MVP honours. His versatility shone at the NFL Combine, where he clocked a 4.45-second 40-yard dash, posted strong vertical and broad jumps, and emerged as a potential late-round gem.

The Commanders snapped him up with the 245th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, initially viewing him as a developmental piece behind established backs like Robinson and Ekeler. Analysts pegged him as a two-down runner with limited receiving skills, given his modest seven catches in his final college season at New Mexico.

Croskey-Merritt’s breakout moment arrived on Monday night against the Cincinnati Bengals in pre-season, where he took on a hefty workload in Robinson’s absence. He carried the ball 11 times for 46 yards, including a dazzling 27-yard touchdown run that showcased his burst and vision, hitting open space and outpacing defenders in a play he later described as “finally real.” Across two pre-season games, he’s notched 18 carries for 70 yards and that score, averaging a respectable 3.9 yards per carry despite a minor shoulder niggle.

This surge in his reputation dovetails with the Commanders’ reported efforts to trade Robinson, who sat out the Bengals game in what was described as a “mutual decision.”

Head coach Dan Quinn played down the speculation, citing “plenty of moving parts this time of year,” but Robinson’s cap hit in the final year of his contract makes him expendable, especially if no trade materialises, potentially leading to a release with minimal financial impact. Teams like the Houston Texans have been mooted as possible destinations, but Washington’s willingness to shop him signals confidence in their younger options.

Is Croskey-Merritt ready to start?

In my view, Croskey-Merritt has the attributes to handle a starter’s workload, but declaring him ready feels a touch premature in a league where rookies often hit a wall. His combine athleticism and pre-season flashes suggest he could excel as an early-down workhorse, potentially delivering 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns in a lead role. His 27-yard touchdown run against Cincinnati highlighted a burst that could complement rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels’ dual-threat style—Daniels even chased down the ball after the score, a sign of budding team chemistry.

That said, there are caveats. His 3.9 yards per carry isn’t exceptional, and some have noted concerning signs in that touchdown run, where a Bengals safety nearly caught him despite a poor angle. At 24, he’s older for a rookie, and his limited receiving work in college limits his appeal in PPR fantasy formats. If Robinson departs, expect a committee approach: Croskey-Merritt splitting early-down carries with Chris Rodriguez Jr., while Ekeler handles passing situations. He’s a high-upside fantasy pick—drafted as early as Round 9 in recent mocks—but not yet a guaranteed RB1.

Don’t overlook Austin Ekeler amid the rookie excitement. The 30-year-old veteran, entering his ninth season and second with Washington, remains a fantasy mainstay as a pass-catching specialist. After an injury-plagued 2024, Ekeler has embraced a “fresh start” in camp, aiming to rebound with Daniels at the helm. His role as the third-down back is secure, making him invaluable in PPR leagues, even if his touches dip below 200. If Robinson is traded, Ekeler’s workload could increase early on while Croskey-Merritt finds his feet, positioning him as a RB2 with RB1 potential in favourable matchups.

Croskey-Merritt embodies the thrilling potential of the Commanders’, and he could really shine brightly if handed the keys. But in a backfield likely to feature a three-way split, expectations should be tempered. Ekeler’s reliability keeps him vital, while “Bill” may need a few weeks to prove he’s starter material. As Quinn navigates these “moving parts,” Washington’s running game could surprise in 2025, or completely blow up in their face.