The Washington Commanders can use all the weapons they can get in a crowded NFC East and that is precisely what they did.
The Washington Commanders didn't have many needs on the offensive side of the ball this year in the 2025 draft.
They have their starting quarterback. Key additions along the offensive line and receiving core were brought in. The team also retained its top running back duo, Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr.
Washington wanted more, though. The Commanders drafted Arizona running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the seventh round of last week's process. Most seventh-round selections aren't expected to make an impact right away on any team, let alone a playoff contender like Washington.
Matt Miller of ESPN believes otherwise, though. He believes that Croskey-Merritt won't just earn a spot on the roster this year, but compete for significant playing time throughout the season as well.
"There's room for Croskey-Merritt to get onto the field early as a special-teams return man and third-down back. The scheme fit and need in Washington for a pass-catching threat make this a fun pick," Miller wrote.
Despite battling injuries throughout his college tenure, Croskey-Merritt recorded over 1,000 rushing yards in 2023 with New Mexico. He entered the NFL Draft after a short stint with Arizona and was taken as a late-round flyer by the Commanders.
With both Ekeler and Robinson both playing on expiring contracts after this season, the Commanders were right to address the running back room. No one is saying Crosky-Merritt will prove to be some fantastic player just yet.
But he is poised to shock some folks on his way to the roster. So right away, if he can add necessary depth, Washington will be pleased with the value of their seventh-round pick.
