Jacory Croskey-Merritt’s Insane Speed at Commanders Practice – Fantasy Football’s Best Kept Secret or Just Another Hype Train? (Spoiler: Don’t Blink or You’ll Miss Him)

As the 2025 NFL season kicks off, fantasy football enthusiasts are always on the lookout for rising stars and sneaky sleepers who can make a difference on their rosters.

One name that’s been quietly gaining traction behind the scenes is Jacory Croskey-Merritt of the Washington Commanders.

His recent practice footage has gone viral, showcasing “nasty speed” and impressive agility that could shake up the Commanders’ backfield—and fantasy drafts.

The buzz started with clips from various practices, including recent sessions and training camp highlights.

Croskey-Merritt, who recently switched his jersey number from 32 to 22, has been steadily climbing the depth chart.

While the unofficial depth chart lists him as the fourth running back, insiders and beat writers are debating whether the Commanders will dress three or four running backs on game day.

This uncertainty has only fueled speculation about Croskey-Merritt’s potential role.

What makes Croskey-Merritt intriguing is his combination of vision, footwork, and contact balance.

Observers note that he’s not just fast; he’s a smart runner who knows how to find gaps and make defenders miss.

His preseason performances have been solid, and he’s shown flashes of the kind of explosiveness that could earn him valuable touches, especially in a committee backfield.

The Commanders’ backfield is crowded with talent.

Veterans like Austin Ekeler are expected to command a significant share of carries, while Chris Rodriguez has also looked strong.

The question fantasy players face is whether Croskey-Merritt can carve out a meaningful role or if he’ll be buried behind established names.

Fantasy football analysts have been tracking Croskey-Merritt’s draft position closely.

Early in the offseason, he was largely undrafted, viewed as a late-round flyer with minimal risk.

But as training camp progressed and Brian Robinson was traded, Croskey-Merritt’s average draft position (ADP) began climbing dramatically—from the late teens to as high as the fourth or fifth round in some leagues.

This rapid rise in ADP has sparked debate.

Some warn that paying a premium for a rookie running back with an uncertain role is risky business.

The fantasy community has learned the hard way that rookies often need time to adjust to the NFL and may not produce immediately.

McGuire’s advice echoes this sentiment: if you’re drafting rookies early, you better have the patience to stick with them through the growing pains.

Croskey-Merritt’s situation exemplifies the classic rookie rollercoaster.

His upside is undeniable, but his snap count and touches remain unpredictable.

If he were taken late in drafts or picked up off the waiver wire, there’s little downside.

But for those who invested early picks, the stakes are higher.

The key is patience and careful observation of his usage as the season unfolds.

What sets this rookie class apart is its depth and talent.

Analysts are calling it one of the most talented running back groups in recent memory, with multiple players like Croskey-Merritt poised to emerge unexpectedly.

This means fantasy managers should keep an eye on late-round rookies who might break out midseason or later.

Croskey-Merritt’s strengths have been praised consistently: his vision allows him to navigate through traffic, his feet are quick and precise, and he handles contact well.

These traits have translated well from college tape to NFL preseason action.

If he can maintain this trajectory, he could become a valuable asset, especially in leagues that reward PPR (points per reception) or have deep rosters.

The Commanders’ backfield strategy appears to be fluid.

While Austin Ekeler is the veteran anchor, the team might opt for a committee approach or ride the hot hand week to week.

This uncertainty means Croskey-Merritt’s opportunity could come at any time—week one, week four, or even later in the season.

Fantasy managers should watch closely how the Commanders deploy their running backs in the early games.

Snap counts, target shares, and game scripts will reveal much about Croskey-Merritt’s role.

If he flashes consistently and earns trust from the coaching staff, he could be a steal for those who drafted him late or picked him up on waivers.

For those who jumped on Croskey-Merritt early in drafts, the message is clear: patience is essential.

Rookies don’t always shine immediately, and the fantasy football season is a marathon, not a sprint.

Holding onto him through the initial weeks could pay dividends later.

In summary, Jacory Croskey-Merritt is a rookie running back with all the tools to make an impact for the Washington Commanders and fantasy football rosters.

His speed, vision, and balance have impressed coaches and analysts alike.

While his exact role remains to be seen, his upward trajectory and the depth of this rookie class suggest he’s a player worth monitoring closely.

Whether he becomes a breakout star or remains a situational player, Croskey-Merritt’s story embodies the thrill and uncertainty of NFL rookie running backs.

For fantasy players, the key is to stay informed, be patient, and be ready to pounce if he starts to carve out a bigger role.

As the 2025 NFL season unfolds, keep an eye on Jacory Croskey-Merritt.

He might just be the surprise backfield weapon that fantasy football managers have been waiting for—or the next “almost” story in a deep and talented rookie class.

Either way, his “nasty speed” and slick moves have already made him a player to watch.