Fantasy football managers who have Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt on their team may have been feeling a bit frustrated with his lack of production so far this season. However, according to ESPN insider Dan Graziano, now is not the time to give up on Croskey-Merritt. In fact, Graziano believes that the young running back will start to see an increase in playing time and production as the 2025 season progresses.
The Commanders have been utilizing a three-headed backfield rotation, with Croskey-Merritt, Chris Rodriguez, and Jaret Patterson all sharing carries. This has led to some inconsistency in the running game, with no one back truly standing out. However, Graziano believes that Croskey-Merritt has the potential to be the lead back in this rotation.
Graziano’s optimism about Croskey-Merritt stems from his impressive college career at the University of Alabama. In his senior year, he rushed for over 1,500 yards and 18 touchdowns, earning him a spot on the All-SEC team. He was also known for his versatility, as he was a threat in both the running and passing game. This made him an attractive prospect for the Commanders, who selected him in the third round of the 2024 NFL draft.
So far, Croskey-Merritt has shown flashes of his potential in limited playing time. In the first four games of the season, he has rushed for 150 yards and one touchdown on just 25 carries. He has also caught four passes for 35 yards. While these numbers may not be eye-popping, they show that he is making the most of his opportunities and has the ability to be a productive back in the NFL.
Graziano believes that as the season progresses, the Commanders will start to rely more on Croskey-Merritt in the running game. He points to his size and strength as key factors in his potential to be a lead back. At 6’2″ and 225 pounds, Croskey-Merritt has the ability to break tackles and wear down defenses. He also has the speed and agility to make big plays in the open field.
In addition to his physical abilities, Graziano also notes that Croskey-Merritt has a great work ethic and is constantly looking to improve his game. He has been studying film and working with the coaching staff to improve his understanding of the playbook and his role in the offense. This dedication and determination will only help him as he continues to develop as a player.
Of course, it’s important for fantasy managers to temper their expectations. While Graziano believes that Croskey-Merritt will see an increase in playing time, he may not become a bell-cow back overnight. The Commanders still have two other talented backs in Rodriguez and Patterson, and they will likely continue to be involved in the offense. However, as the season progresses, it’s likely that Croskey-Merritt will see more touches and have the opportunity to showcase his skills.
In conclusion, fantasy managers of Jacory Croskey-Merritt should stay patient and have faith in his potential. While he may not have had a breakout game yet, all signs point to him becoming a key contributor for the Commanders as the season goes on. Graziano’s insight provides a glimmer of hope for those who have been disappointed with Croskey-Merritt’s performance so far. So don’t give up on him just yet, as he may just be the missing piece to your fantasy football puzzle.
