A single, explosive play under the bright lights of Monday Night Football has sent shockwaves through the fantasy football community. Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, a relative unknown just weeks ago, is now the name on every savvy manager’s lips after a breathtaking 27-yard touchdown run against the Cincinnati Bengals. This preseason moment of brilliance hasn’t just turned heads; it has fundamentally reshaped his draft stock, transforming him from a deep sleeper into a potential league-winning lottery ticket.
How Does Jacory Croskey-Merritt Impact Your 2025 Fantasy Draft Strategy?
The impact is immediate and significant. Following the trade of 2024 starter Brian Robinson, the Commanders’ backfield was a question mark. Croskey-Merritt’s performance, where he tallied two carries for 32 yards and that pivotal touchdown, provided a resounding answer. Fantasy analysts are now scrambling to adjust their rankings. According to data from FantasyPros, his stock is soaring, with a composite average rating of 69.5 across major platforms like Sleeper (80) and RT Sports (59). For fantasy managers, this means he is no longer a throwaway final-round pick. He is a strategic late-round target with a clear path to significant touches, offering immense upside at a minimal cost. Drafting him could be the move that defines your season.
The buzz isn’t confined to analyst dashboards; it has erupted across social media. Arizona football reporter Justin Spears noted on X, “I drafted Jacory Croskey-Merritt for $1 in a fantasy football draft this weekend and no one challenged me. Feeling pretty good about that pick.” This sentiment is echoed by a growing chorus of fantasy players who see his current Average Draft Position (ADP) as a massive inefficiency to exploit. The hype is organic, driven by on-field production and a suddenly wide-open opportunity.
What is the Washington Commanders’ Plan for Their Backfield?
The team’s decision to trade Brian Robinson Jr. just before the preseason game was a monumental vote of confidence in their rookie. His absence from the lineup against the Bengals was not a minor detail; it was a statement. The Commanders are clearly evaluating their future, and Croskey-Merritt, the 233rd overall pick from Boise State, is at the center of those plans. While veteran Chris Rodriguez Jr. led the team in rushing during the game, it was Croskey-Merritt’s big-play ability that captured the spotlight and suggests a specific, explosive role designed for him within the offense.
Why Trust the Hype Around This Rookie?
Beyond the highlight reel, the trust stems from a perfect confluence of factors: demonstrated performance, opportunity created by a veteran’s departure, and coaching decisions that align with his usage. He is not just a preseason flash; he is a player being given the keys to a portion of the offense. Fantasy pros are now consistently recommending him as a top late-round flier, arguing that his ceiling outweighs the inherent risk of drafting any rookie. In the high-stakes game of fantasy football, identifying this kind of value before your league-mates is how championships are won.
The seismic shift in Jacory Croskey-Merritt’s fantasy value is a textbook example of how opportunity meets talent in the NFL. For astute fantasy managers, he represents the ultimate high-reward, low-risk investment—a player whose cost hasn’t yet caught up to his potential role in a Commanders offense eager for playmakers. Draft him now before his ADP makes that impossible.
Must Know
Who is Jacory Croskey-Merritt?
Jacory Croskey-Merritt is a rookie running back for the Washington Commanders, drafted 233rd overall in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Boise State. He gained immediate fantasy relevance after a strong preseason performance and the team’s trade of former starter Brian Robinson.
Why is Jacory Croskey-Merritt a popular fantasy pick?
His popularity exploded after he scored a 27-yard touchdown in a preseason game, demonstrating big-play ability. This, combined with a newly cleared path to playing time following a trade, makes him an attractive late-round draft target with high upside.
What is Jacory Croskey-Merritt’s Average Draft Position (ADP)?
His ADP is currently rising rapidly. As of August 2025, he holds a composite rating of 69.5 from major fantasy platforms, meaning he is moving from being undrafted to a late-round selection in most leagues.
Should I draft Jacory Croskey-Merritt?
If you are looking for a high-upside running back to round out your bench, yes. He offers tremendous value for his cost and has the potential to become a weekly starter if he secures a significant role in the Commanders’ offense.
What does the Brian Robinson trade mean for Croskey-Merritt?
The trade of Brian Robinson Jr. signifies that the Commanders are committed to giving their younger players, specifically Croskey-Merritt and Chris Rodriguez Jr., a much larger share of the carries, dramatically increasing the rookie’s fantasy outlook.
Disclaimer: Fantasy football involves uncertainty. While Croskey-Merritt’s outlook is positive, his performance and role are not guaranteed. Please draft responsibly.
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