Jayden Daniels had a historic rookie season with the Washington Commanders. However, much of his success was thanks to wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who is not in the team’s training camp due to a contract dispute. The head coach Dan Quinn has explored other options while that gets settled and he’s found an unlikely player to rise as a top weapon for the team.
Quinn spoke to the press and he said he is “very excited” to watch rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt develop during training camp. This is because the New Mexico product has the ability to “get his shoulders square and get downhill fast” and has “violence” in his cuts. While the Commanders had plenty of success by air, their running game could have a massive boost.
Croskey-Merritt was a seventh-round pick by the Commanders. He was not, by any means, a top prospect in this NFL draft class. However, once you’re drafted, you have a new leash to become important for the team. In the end, where you got drafted doesn’t determine your ability to impact the field.
Croskey-Merritt still has to overcome fierce competition
The 24 year-old played for New Mexico and Arizona during his college days. However, it was in New Mexico where he thrived, having 1,190 rushing yards in 189 attempts and a staggering 17 touchdowns. He transferred to Arizona, but he only managed to play on one game, where he got 106 yards and 1 touchdown.
Running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt #5 of the New Mexico Lobos looks towards the end zone during the first half agaisnt the Boise State Broncos at Albertsons Stadium on November 11, 2023 in Boise, Idaho.
While he has impressed Quinn, he is still a mystery. As of now, he has two running backs way up on the depth chart. Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler were in charge last year and the duo is back with the burgundy-and-gold.
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Jayden Daniels teammate warns Commanders about Terry McLaurin’s contract situation
Robinson and Ekeler are good but not untouchable
Robinson is entering his fourth year in the NFL. He has been a consistent piece, having 797, 733, and 799 rushing yards during his three years in the league. He has scored 15 times. While good, that’s not elite either.
As for Ekeler, he is in the twilight of his prime. More importantly, he’s never been an elite runner, but more of an elite pass-catching running back. He only racked up 367 yards and 4 touchdowns in the rushing department. He did help on the receiving department of course, with 366 yards by air.
This means that even if he has competition to beat, Croskey-Merritt can get snaps if he shows talent and ability to explode with speed. Anything that adds explosiveness will be welcomed by the team.
