Commanders' rookie on mission to prove he’s the draft’s biggest steal

One doesn't have to look far across the fan base or the media for intrigue surrounding Jacory Croskey-Merritt. The Washington Commanders spent the No. 245 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft on the running back, but he's not just in D.C. to make up the numbers.

Croskey-Merrit wants to prove he belongs. And he wants to do this at the earliest possible opportunity.

The Commanders have an opening for someone in the running back room if they show enough over the summer. Brian Robinson Jr. remains the lead backfield threat despite speculation to the contrary this offseason. Austin Ekeler is the veteran pass-catching option capable of producing the goods when called upon. Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. were both re-signed after flashing in 2024.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt sets lofty ambitions for Commanders' rookie campaign

That makes it more difficult for Croskey-Merritt to firmly establish himself. However, the dual-threat weapon has set himself some lofty goals in pursuit of making an immediate difference felt at the sport's pinnacle.

I’m grown too. I’m a pro too. Everybody’s on the same level. I feel like nobody’s going to show sympathy for me because I’m a rookie going in. I gotta go out there and match the talent because it’s a business at the end of the day. Making the team, going out there and producing, helping the team win a Super Bowl—that’s my rookie goal. I feel like if we go out there and do that, then the other stuff will come. Rookie Player of the Year and all the other stuff, you feel me? So I feel like just going out there and winning and helping, and just letting the other goals fall into place.Jacory Croskey-Merritt via SI

These are hefty expectations Croskey-Merritt is placing on himself. Aiming high is better than settling, so it'll be interesting to see how far he gets in accomplishing his goals. And his mindset suggests he won't be overawed by the challenges that lie ahead.

Croskey-Merritt is an easy guy to root for. His draft stock plummeted once the NCAA revoked his eligibility just one game into his transfer to Arizona. Not even winning Offensive MVP at the East-West Shrine Bowl helped turn the tide. Although disappointing, Adam Peters thought there was something within the player that warranted a closer look.

Tempering expectations remains prudent. Croskey-Merritt has potential, but he's still a seventh-round pick who played almost no football last season. It might take him time to pick things up, which is fine. There's also a chance the large chip on his shoulder allows him to make an impression much sooner than anticipated.

The reality lies somewhere in the middle. But if Croskey-Merritt can add his name to the ever-growing list of draft steals acquired by Peters, the better Washington's chances will be.

More Commanders news and analysis