Backfield Shake-Up? Two Under-the-Radar Speedsters Making Noise in Commanders RB Room

The Washington Commanders enter the 2025 season with renewed expectations under head coach Dan Quinn and a revamped roster that is built to contend, not rebuild. While most of the attention has centered on star quarterback Jayden Daniels and the absence of Pro-Bowl WR Terry McLaurin (seeking contract extension), an intriguing competition is quietly brewing in the running back room—and two unexpected names may force their way onto the final 53-man roster and ultimately, playing time.

Meet Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Demetric Felton, two explosive backs whose blend of speed, burst, and youth could complement veterans Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler in what’s potentially shaping up to be one of the most dynamic backfields in the NFC East.

Washington will likely keep four running backs, and with rookie contracts, fresh legs, and special teams potential working in their favor, Croskey-Merritt and Felton may just push their way past more recognizable names like Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez by the end of the summer.

Croskey-Merritt’s North-South Explosion Turning Heads

Croskey-Merritt arrived in Washington as an unheralded seventh-round draft pick, but it didn’t take long for him to catch the attention of the coaching staff. The 6-foot, 215-pound back out of Arizona and New Mexico is a classic downhill runner who wastes no time getting north and south. His no-nonsense style, combined with surprising breakaway speed, turned heads during the team’s recent three-day minicamp.

At New Mexico, Croskey-Merritt racked up 16 rushing touchdowns in 2023 while averaging over 5.5 yards per carry. Though he was drafted late, his skill set screams NFL potential: efficient, physical, and deceptively fast in the open field. Coaches have reportedly been impressed with how quickly he has picked up the offense and his willingness to contribute on special teams, a major plus for fringe roster hopefuls.

Croskey-Merritt’s age (24) also plays in his favor. He brings fresh legs and a hungry mentality to a backfield that already features the power running of Robinson Jr. and the pass-catching savvy of Ekeler. If the Commanders want to inject more speed and power into their early-down rotation, Croskey-Merritt could be the surprise hammer who earns carries by midseason.

Felton’s Versatility Could Be the Secret Weapon Washington Didn’t Know It Needed

Felton is a name many football fans may remember from his time at UCLA and short stints with the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, Chicago Bears, and Indianapolis Colts. Now 26 years of age, Felton is trying to stick with his fifth NFL team, and Washington may finally be the place where his do-it-all skill set is fully unlocked.

At 5-foot-9, 190 pounds, Felton isn’t built like a traditional back, but that’s exactly what makes him so appealing. He’s a legitimate hybrid weapon, equally comfortable catching passes out of the slot as he is taking a handoff out of the backfield. Think of him as a more budget-friendly version of what Deebo Samuel did for the 49ers, and hopefully, now in Washington. With offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury known for creative schemes and spreading the field, Felton could carve out a role as a chess piece used in motion, screens, jet sweeps, and third-down situations.

Felton’s quick acceleration and low center of gravity make him dangerous in space. He’s also a return specialist, which gives him an additional path to making the roster. During spring practices, insiders noted how often he was deployed in multiple roles, indicating the coaching staff is already envisioning ways to get him involved.

In a crowded running back market where jobs are scarce and the margin for error is razor-thin, Felton brings something few others do, which is genuine offensive flexibility.

With Robinson Jr. expected to be the team’s power back and Ekeler locked in as the veteran dual-threat option, most assumed Washington’s running back room was already set. But Croskey-Merritt and Felton are making sure coaches re-evaluate those assumptions.

Both players bring youth, speed, and dynamic traits that the Commanders can use in a variety of game situations. And in a league where versatility and cost-effectiveness are paramount, don’t be surprised if these two underdogs make the team and play meaningful snaps in 2025.

The backfield battle is heating up in the nation’s capital. And two new names are sprinting toward the spotlight.