Jacory Croskey-Merritt Leads Commanders’ RB Revival

Bill’s Surprising 2025 Campaign

Jacory “Bill” Croskey‑Merritt emerged as one of the biggest steals of the 2025 NFL Draft after slipping into the seventh round. He finished the season as Washington’s leading rusher with 805 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 4.6 yards per carry despite starting only seven games. Even more striking, he recorded those numbers while appearing on just 38.5 % of the Commanders’ offensive snaps. The rookie’s success is amplified by the fact that 24 other running backs were selected ahead of him.

Commanders’ Backfield reshaped for 2026

This offseason the team made strategic changes around the position. Washington let Austin Ekeler and Chris Rodriguez Jr. walk away and did not pursue top free agents such as Kenneth Walker Jr. or Travis Etienne. In their place the Commanders added veteran depth with Rachaad White and Jerome Ford, re‑signed Jeremy McNichols, and drafted Kaytron Allen in the sixth round. The move signals confidence in Bill as the primary option, especially after Chris Rodriguez Jr.’s departure to Jacksonville.

PFF ranking and how it fits

Pro Football Focus recently ranked all 32 projected 2026 starting running backs, placing Croskey‑Merritt at No. 30. The site praised his “solid 75.4 PFF rushing grade” and noted his status as an underdog story after playing just one college game in 2024. While some believe he could rank higher, the consensus is that he must prove himself as a full‑time starter over a full season before moving up the depth chart.

What the numbers mean for 2026

Bill has bulked up this offseason and refined his receiving skills, preparing for a larger role in David Blough’s zone‑blocking offense. He is expected to handle the majority of carries, complementing the receiving threat provided by Rachaad White. With a healthy Jayden Daniels at quarterback, projections suggest Bill could surpass the 1,000‑yard mark this coming season, fitting perfectly into the Commanders’ new offensive scheme.

The blend of late‑round upside, disciplined workload management, and strategic roster moves positions Jacory Croskey‑Merritt as a key figure in Washington’s pursuit of a stronger ground attack in 2026. Fans will watch whether his early‑season impact can translate into a full‑season performance that justifies the high draft‑value surprise.