The Athletic's Ben Standig highlighted RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt as a standout in the team's recent rookie camp. Standig was particularly impressed by Croskey-Merritt's agility and burst, elements that Washington's backfield lacked last year. "If this proves to be real," Standig said of Croskey-Merritt's performance, "this is the element this offense could use. ... If you ask me for a bold prediction, I could see Croskey-Merritt getting into the [RB] rotation."
Croskey-Merritt fell to the seventh round of the draft, at least in part because of an eligibility issue that limited him to one game last season. He ran for 106 yards and a score in that game, though — after an 1,190-yard, 17-TD 2023 season at New Mexico. Croskey-Merritt averaged 3.98 yards after contact per attempt and earned a strong 92.5 Pro Football Focus rushing grade in 2023.
RBs Brian Robinson and Austin Ekeler seem entrenched atop Washington's depth chart for now. But Croskey-Merritt only needs to beat out Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez for the No. 3 job. That battle will be worth monitoring this summer.
Robinson and Ekeler are entering the final seasons on their current deals, so there's opportunity for Croskey-Merritt to earn a significant role in 2026 and beyond. He's worth a look in dynasty rookie drafts that go 5+ rounds.
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