Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Amber Searls-Imagn Images

This Commanders rookie made NFL history in Sunday's win

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Sep 8, 2025 6:33 PM ET

When the Washington Commanders used the No. 245 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to select Arizona Wildcats running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, not much was expected of the rookie.

He appeared in just one game last season at Arizona and was a bit of a question mark headed into OTA's and training camp for Washington.

Croskey-Merritt answered all those questions with a standout performance in all phases and sections of offseason training and preseason games. He was awarded a spot on the Commanders 53-man roster and made history in his first career game on Sunday.

Croskey-Merritt became the first seventh-round pick in NFL history to rush for 75-plus yards as well as score a touchdown in their NFL debut. He eclipsed that 75-yard mark, finishing his debut with 82 yards and a touchdown on just 10 carries.

welcome to the end zone @JacoryMerritt15

#NYGvsWAS FOX pic.twitter.com/Ayy9Xdv28W
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) September 7, 2025

Croskey-Merritt will be a major factor in Washington's success

It is clear that the organization loves their seventh-round draft pick, as he garnered the most rushing attempts from any running back on Sunday. Washington's trade of Brian Robinson Jr. also made it evident that Croskey-Merritt would be heavily involved in the offense.

A rushing attack that struggled for several seasons before the arrival of quarterback Jayden Daniels might now have a dynamic threat in the backfield.

Success from Croskey-Merritt could very well allow the Commanders offense to be even more explosive than it was at any point last season.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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