Jakory Croskey-Merritt’s Shocking Commanders Practice: Is This the Fantasy Football Steal or Just Another Hype Train? Spoiler: Not Everyone’s Buying It

The 2025 NFL season is fast approaching, and fantasy football enthusiasts are already scouring every practice clip, every preseason snap, looking for that next breakout star.

Among the many players vying for attention, one name has been steadily rising from the shadows: Jakory Croskey-Merritt of the Washington Commanders.

His recent practice footage has left many wondering if he’s about to explode onto the scene or if the hype train is running off the rails.

At first glance, Croskey-Merritt’s agility and footwork during drills are undeniably impressive.

Watching him weave through cones, catch passes, and execute sharp cuts, it’s clear he possesses the physical tools to succeed.

His number change from 32 to 22 signals a fresh start, a new chapter that fans hope will translate into real game-time opportunities.

But what’s fueling this buzz beyond mere visuals?

The departure of Brian Robinson Jr. has created a vacuum in the Commanders’ backfield, and the team’s depth chart is wide open.

Austin Eckler, Rodriguez, and McNichols are all competing for snaps, but Croskey-Merritt’s preseason performance suggests he’s making a serious case for significant workload.

His vision and patience in navigating the line of scrimmage, combined with his shifty moves and balance, have caught the eyes of beat reporters and fantasy analysts alike.

Unlike many rookies or second-year players who often struggle to find their footing, Croskey-Merritt has been consistently “killing it” from mini-camps to OTAs.

His rapid ascent contrasts sharply with other prospects like Jaden Blue or Ali Gordon, who have been quieter in the background.

This stark difference has led to a surge in his fantasy draft position, with some platforms now flirting with him as a late-round RB1 or top-tier RB2.

However, this sudden rise in value comes with a caveat: the risk factor.

While his upside is tantalizing, fantasy managers should tread carefully.

The volatility of running back roles, especially in a crowded backfield, means that nothing is guaranteed.

The Commanders’ offense features several intriguing storylines, including Jaden Daniels entering his second year and Debo Samuel’s first season with the team, both of which could influence offensive dynamics and touches distribution.

Moreover, Croskey-Merritt’s limited playing time last year and concerns about durability add layers of uncertainty.

Although he was fresh and injury-free during the Shrine Game and impressed in practice, the jump from preseason promise to regular-season production is a chasm many players fail to cross.

Fantasy owners must weigh the potential reward against the risk of disappointment.

From a strategic standpoint, Croskey-Merritt represents the classic late-round lottery ticket.

If drafted in rounds 15-18 or picked up off waivers, he could be a league-winner if unleashed early and given consistent touches.

But if you’re drafting him as a sure-fire starter or investing high draft capital, you might be setting yourself up for frustration.

The fantasy football landscape demands a balance between upside and reliability, and Croskey-Merritt sits squarely in the high-upside, high-risk category.

Comparisons to other running backs on the Commanders’ roster highlight his unique blend of vision and lateral agility.

His ability to make defenders miss after breaking through the line is a key asset.

Yet, the presence of veterans like Eckler and McNichols, both with established NFL experience, means that Croskey-Merritt will have to continue proving himself week after week.

Another factor complicating his fantasy outlook is the unpredictable nature of average draft positions (ADP) this season.

The holiday weekend and early draft frenzy have caused wild swings in player values, making it difficult to pin down where Croskey-Merritt truly fits.

Some drafts see him as a late-round steal, while others push him into earlier rounds, inflating his risk profile.

Fantasy football veterans understand that once you reach the middle to late rounds, the draft becomes a game of upside hunting.

Players like Croskey-Merritt embody this approach—high ceiling, potential for breakout, but also a chance to bust.

The key is to integrate such players smartly into your roster, balancing them with stable veterans and reliable starters.

In this context, Croskey-Merritt’s story is not unique but emblematic of the 2025 fantasy season’s unpredictability.

The abundance of rookie and second-year running backs with tantalizing potential means managers must diversify their risk and keep an eye on emerging opportunities.

Players like Trey Benson, Ray Davis, and Brilan Allen also fit this mold, offering alternative lottery tickets if injuries or performance shifts occur.

Ultimately, Croskey-Merritt’s journey from obscurity to a possible fantasy darling is a testament to the power of perseverance and seizing opportunity.

The Washington Commanders’ backfield situation is fluid, and if he can capitalize on his practice momentum, he could become a valuable asset.

But fantasy managers should remember that the line between hero and zero in fantasy football is razor-thin.

So, what’s the final verdict?

If you snagged Jakory Croskey-Merritt cheap in the late rounds or off waivers, congratulations—you’ve added a player whose value is trending upward.

If you’re considering drafting him earlier, proceed with caution and be prepared for volatility.

And if you’re tempted to bet on other hyped backs like Jaden Blue or Ali Gordon in similar ranges, well, let’s just say you might want to rethink that strategy before your friends start questioning your judgment.

As the season unfolds, keep watching those practice clips, monitor snap counts, and stay flexible on the waiver wire.

Croskey-Merritt’s moment may come, but fantasy glory requires patience, savvy, and a willingness to embrace risk without losing sight of the bigger picture.

In the end, fantasy football is a game of calculated gambles, and Jakory Croskey-Merritt might just be the wild card you need—or the one that leaves you shaking your head.

Either way, the drama is real, the stakes are high, and the 2025 season promises plenty of surprises.