The Washington Commanders are poised for another high-powered offensive season in 2025, with much of last year’s core returning. Led by quarterback Jayden Daniels, the unit has been further bolstered by the additions of Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel.
Amidst these established stars, a surprising standout has emerged from the backfield: Jacory Croskey-Merritt, the last running back selected in the 2025 draft. Croskey-Merritt, who goes by “Bill,” has impressed during the offseason and is being identified by analysts as a potential fantasy football sleeper.
Alex Kay of Bleacher Report notes that with veterans Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler in the final year of their contracts, the team has a vested interest in finding a younger, more affordable replacement. “JCM fits the bill as a homegrown player with immense upside, top-notch athleticism and elite advanced metrics,” Kay wrote, adding that these traits “could help him overtake a pair of relatively underwhelming players ahead of him on the depth chart.”
Kay advises fantasy managers to take a chance on the rookie. “Clear a spot for Jacory Croskey-Merritt on your roster and hang onto him like a lottery ticket. It may take a little time for it to cash, but you won’t find a better risk-reward option in the waning rounds of 2025 fantasy drafts.”
Croskey-Merritt’s path to the NFL was unconventional. After three years at Alabama State, he transferred to New Mexico in 2023 and had a breakout season, rushing for 1,190 yards and 17 touchdowns. He then transferred to Arizona, where he recorded 106 yards and a touchdown in a single game before eligibility issues ended his season.
Now with Washington, Croskey-Merritt is expected to secure the third-string running back role behind Ekeler and Robinson Jr., surpassing Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. With promising attributes for the professional level, his role in the offense could expand, making him a shrewd addition to fantasy football rosters.
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