ASHBURN, Va. — Jacory Croskey-Merritt, the Washington Commanders’ seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, is turning heads at training camp, showcasing the kind of explosive potential that makes the rookie running back a sleeper to watch. Known as “Bill” to teammates, the Montgomery, Alabama, native is proving his value as a dynamic playmaker, despite entering the league as a late-round selection with limited college game time in his final year.
Croskey-Merritt, selected 245th overall, arrived with a draft profile that intrigued scouts but raised questions. At 5-foot-10 and 206 pounds, he boasts a sturdy frame, blending size with speed. His 4.45-second 40-yard dash and 41.5-inch vertical leap at the Big 12 Pro Day highlighted his athleticism, earning him an 8.29 Relative Athletic Score, ranking 362 out of 2,106 running backs since 1987. His college career, spanning Alabama State, New Mexico, and Arizona, showed flashes of brilliance. In 2023 at New Mexico, he rushed for 1,190 yards and 17 touchdowns, averaging 6.3 yards per carry. However, eligibility issues limited him to one game at Arizona in 2024, where he still managed 106 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. His standout performance at the East-West Shrine Bowl, earning Offensive MVP honors with 97 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries, solidified his draft stock.
At Commanders’ training camp in Ashburn, Croskey-Merritt is seizing his opportunity. He’s impressed coaches with his quick, decisive cuts and violent running style, often described as hitting holes with authority. During padded practices, he’s shown an ability to square his shoulders and burst downhill, leaving defenders grasping. One notable play saw him explode for a 60-yard touchdown on an outside zone run, displaying the speed and vision that make him a potential game-changer. Coaches praise his work ethic, noting how he stayed engaged during his Arizona benching, practicing diligently despite not playing. This resilience has translated to camp, where he’s competing fiercely in a crowded backfield that includes Brian Robinson Jr., Austin Ekeler, Jeremy McNichols, and Chris Rodriguez Jr.
Croskey-Merritt’s versatility adds to his appeal. He’s shown promise as a pass-catcher, attacking the ball with confidence, though his route-running needs polish. His willingness to throw his body around in pass protection, despite raw technique, fits the Commanders’ emphasis on toughness. Social media buzz from camp highlights his ability to challenge for snaps, with observers noting his fit in Washington’s scheme, which values one-cut runners who can exploit gaps quickly. With Robinson and Ekeler nearing free agency, Croskey-Merritt’s long-term potential looms large.
As a zero-star high school recruit who clawed his way to the NFL, Croskey-Merritt embodies the underdog spirit. His nickname “Bill,” earned from a childhood resemblance to the cartoon character Little Bill, belies his fierce on-field demeanor. He’s not just aiming to make the roster but to carve out a role, possibly on special teams or as a third-down back. If his camp performance is any indication, Croskey-Merritt could become a fan favorite and a steal for Washington.
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