Commanders insider predicts RB chaos if Jacory Croskey-Merritt blows up OTAs

One of the most fascinating storylines Washington Commanders fans will be watching throughout the summer centers on the running back room. A team insider could see a major shakeup brewing if seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt makes an instant impression.

There's a long way to go and a lot of hard work ahead before this scenario comes to fruition. However, there's a growing belief among fans and analysts that the Commanders might have a steal on their hands with the No. 245 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Croskey-Merritt wants to impact the running back rotation in Year 1. He made a positive early impression at Washington's rookie minicamp, but shining among the team's veterans represents a different challenge entirely.

Confidence is high. Brian Robinson Jr. and others won't be giving up their respective depth chart standings without a fight. Croskey-Merritt is starting from the bottom, but he's got more going for him than most seventh-rounders.

Commanders insider hints big changes are coming to RB dynamic

Ben Standig from The Athletic discussed the topic in greater detail. The insider thought Croskey-Merritt had a genuine shot, although nothing is guaranteed. He also discussed the possibility of Robinson being cut and the potential for additional reinforcements as viable scenarios that could emerge depending on how things play out.

[Jacory] Croskey-Merritt isn’t a roster lock, let alone a rotation fixture, but the 5-foot-11, 208-pounder has the goods to get there despite sitting out nearly the entire 2024 college season with eligibility issues. If [Kliff] Kingsbury falls for this competitive runner’s one-cut burst, there could be a running back room shake-up. Maybe that’s veering into a true running-back-by-committee or moving [Brian] Robinson off the roster so multifaceted backs are on the field with [Jayden] Daniels more often. There’s a chance Washington seeks an outside addition, though the free-agent pool is weak. Seeing Croskey-Merritt blast his way into the conversation with social media-worthy moments is a fun outcome.Ben Standig

There are a lot of moving parts here. The Commanders will get a good look at the options currently available, including Croskey-Merritt. If those in power aren't entirely convinced, they will keep an eye on the veteran pool and examine any noteworthy players who don't quite make the grade elsewhere.

It would be a surprise if Robinson didn't lead the charge in a contract year. Austin Ekeler still has his uses as a pass-catching weapon out of the backfield. Becoming the No. 3 option initially should be an attainable goal for Croskey-Merritt. That provides the platform to catch the eye and gradually increase his influence if called upon at any stage.

The Commanders have increased competition. They will reward those who prove their worth. That won't go unnoticed by Croskey-Merritt, who's looking to make the chip on his shoulder count to make the league pay for their lack of conviction.

Time will tell on that, but it's a dynamic that could change at any moment.

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