Washington Commanders seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt is quickly turning heads just one week into training camp.
After recording the highest deceleration in Shrine Bowl history (-7.29 yards/second squared), he is now showing that ability to make quick jump-cuts in a sea of defenders at Commanders training camp.
Not Your Average 7th-rounder
Drafted out of Arizona, Croskey-Merritt appeared in just one game for the Wildcats— not due to injury, but because the NCAA revoked his eligibility over a redshirt dispute dating back to his time at Alabama State.
In his final full season at New Mexico, he posted these stats:
- 189 carries
- 1,190 rushing yards
- 18 total touchdowns
These numbers, along with earning Shrine Bowl MVP, show that Croskey-Merritt has the talent of a mid-round draft pick; he just did not have the opportunity to show that in his last season of college.
Wide Open Running Back Room
In what was one of the best offenses in the league last year, the Commanders struggled greatly rushing the football outside of Jayden Daniels. The Commanders were the only team last year in which their team’s leading rusher was not a running back.
Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler were the two main running backs last season, and their production was simply not good enough to take the pressure off Daniels. Combined, they averaged just 87.7 rushing yards per game. In contrast, Saquon Barkley averaged 125.3 rushing yards per game by himself.
Croskey-Merritt is more likely to compete with Robinson Jr. for early-down carries, given his limited involvement in the passing game during college. Ekeler will likely continue to be the third-down back as he has become one of the best receiving running backs in the league.
Already Getting First Team Reps
On Tuesday, Croskey-Merritt got reps working with the first team. This is not normal for most seventh-round picks. Not only is he getting those reps— he is shining in them. Reports are saying he is quick, decisive and is showing excellent vision.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt has the potential to be a steal for the Commanders. Not only that— he has the opportunity to earn consistent carries in a weak running back room.
If he can do what he is doing in training camp in the preseason, do not be surprised when he gets the bulk of carries in the regular season.
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