Adam Peters didn't have much to work with during the 2025 NFL Draft. The Washington Commanders' bombshell trade activity that began with cornerback Marshon Lattimore before the 2024 deadline left the general manager with just five picks at his disposal. Using them wisely was key, which he achieved with minimal fuss.
The Commanders focused on quality additions rather than reaching for needs. Peters adopted this strategy last offseason with great success. He opted for the same again after watching the squad he assembled achieve so much during the previous campaign.
Everything is seemingly in place for Washington to build on a season that will live long in the memory of every fan. The incoming recruits must hit the ground running, but confidence is high. If the Commanders can also unearth a couple of gems from their undrafted free-agent class, they'll be in a strong spot.
That's for the not-too-distant future. For now, we made one bold rookie prediction for every Commanders' draft pick in 2025.
One insanely bold rookie prediction for every Commanders' 2025 draft pick
Commanders drafted Jacory Croskey-Merritt
- Bold prediction: RB1 by Week 6. 800 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns.
Fans were demanding more at the running back position. They had to wait, but the Washington Commanders added one of the more intriguing options available with their final selection at No. 245 overall.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt is an interesting case. The gifted backfield threat was treated extremely harshly by the NCAA in 2024. He got his eligibility revoked after transferring to Arizona, which ended his contribution almost before it began, after just one game.
This saw his draft stock plummet along the way. Croskey-Merritt became an afterthought due to his lack of involvement last season. Adam Peters wanted to find out more, spending considerable time with the prospect during Washington's comprehensive pre-draft assessments.
He was suitably impressed. Croskey-Merritt is a powerful, one-cut slasher running back who could help set the tone. He's starting from the bottom, but there's an opportunity to impose himself right out of the gate.
There are questions about Washington's running back room. The offense became too reliant on quarterback Jayden Daniels to gain yards on the ground over the second half of 2024 and into the playoffs. Peters kept faith the the likes of Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler, but Croskey-Merritt's arrival could shake things up considerably.
Croskey-Merritt will have his sights set on immediate involvement. He is eager to make up for lost time, so don't be surprised if the fledgling NFL hopeful accomplishes this objective quickly.
