The hype continues to build.
The Washington Commanders have reached their mandatory minicamp stage as preparations for the 2025 campaign continue. And one unheralded rookie that nobody saw coming just won't be ignored in pursuit of involvement.
Staking a claim for those on the fringes can be difficult on a contending team. The Commanders have lofty ambitions on their shoulders for the first time in decades, so there is no room for passengers. At the same time, Dan Quinn's coaching staff has shown that if the performance levels warrant it, players will be rewarded accordingly.
Several players have seized the initiative over early workouts. Not many are gaining more traction than Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
The running back was completely overlooked before the Commanders selected him at No. 245 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Croskey Merritt's stock took a major hit after having his eligibility at Arizona revoked by the NCAA one game into his high-profile transfer. Based on his urgent approach to practice, he's keen to make up for some lost time.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt is stacking good performances during Commanders transition
Croskey-Merritt was among the standouts on Day 1 of Washington's mandatory minicamp. The backfield force looked sharp during drills, displaying an impressive one-cut slasher approach to carrying the football. There was also plenty to like about his pass-catching prowess, according to those in attendance.
If that wasn't enough, Croskey-Merritt came up with a sensational highlight during the team portion of practice. The East-West Shrine Bowl Offensive MVP exploited a gap and showcased his exceptional speed to go 60 yards for a touchdown. It remains early days, but this is the best possible way to get noticed.
It's hard to ignore the hype building around Croskey-Merritt. There is also a chance to impact the running back rotation if the same trend continues over the summer.
Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler will lead the charge once again. Both come into the campaign with questions to answer in the final year of their respective deals. If neither shows enough, that's when Croskey-Merritt will be introduced.
Of course, a situation could emerge where Croskey-Merritt gains his fair share of carries even if Robinson and Ekeler are performing well. The unit lacked dynamism and a home-run threat last season. The incoming rookie provides both, so it'll be interesting to see what Kliff Kingsbury has planned if he continues to force the issue.
It's easy to get carried away. Croskey-Merritt is a seventh-round pick, which suggests some significant development is needed before confidence in his chances increases. He's got his foot in the door, but it'll take much more to become a prolific NFL running back and unseat two established pros from their spots.
But he's off to a sensational start.
