Commanders rookie nobody saw coming is outshining vets at OTAs

Players only get one chance to make a good first impression. The Washington Commanders are keeping a close eye on developments in organized team activities, which is the first big stepping stone in preparations ahead of the 2025 campaign.

Washington's upcoming mandatory minicamp will be more intense. Things will ramp up considerably over training camp this summer. There is also plenty of competition for places as the Commanders look to go one better and reach the Super Bowl when the regular season arrives.

Based on reports, one rookie is leaving his mark. And it could potentially shake up one position group considerably if the same trend continues.

Fans were eager for general manager Adam Peters to bolster the running back room this offseason. He waited until the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft to acquire another, with Jacory Croskey-Merritt coming into the fold at No. 245 overall.

This was a little underwhelming, but there's a growing sense that the Commanders might have something special on their hands.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt is staking a strong claim at Commanders OTAs

John Keim from ESPN highlighted Croskey-Merrit's speed and explosiveness as something that stood out from the rest. He's a one-cut slasher with the ability to turn the smallest creases into lofty yards on the ground. Looking at the regression of Washington's rushing attack last season, albeit with some offensive line deficiencies attached, this could provide the injection of pace that was sorely lacking.

Croskey-Merritt is looking to make up for some lost time after having his eligibility revoked by the NCAA just one game into his transfer to Arizona. He's got a big chip on his shoulder and isn't here to just make up the numbers. That should put everyone else on notice.

The Commanders will take things slowly with Croskey-Merritt. He missed a lot of football last season, so moving cautiously is a smart ploy from the offensive coaching staff. But don't be surprised if the backfield force builds on this positive early momentum to force his way into the team's plans quicker than anticipated.

Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler will likely lead the charge once again. That brings experience and keeps continuity, but the Commanders will give Croskey-Merritt every chance to carve out a rotational role for himself ahead of Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. before Week 1 against the New York Giants rolls around.

And if everything goes better than expected, Croskey-Merrit could even start at some stage during his rookie campaign.