Commanders rookie RB could have huge impact

The Washington Commanders could be on to something with their rookie running back.

Arizona Wildcats running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt runs the ball for a score while New Mexico Lobos safety Christian Ellis. | Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

The Washington Commanders knew they needed to add depth at the running back position in the NFL Draft, and they did just that by adding seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt to the team.

ESPN analyst Matt Miller named Croskey-Merritt at No. 100 on his top 100 value picks in the draft.

New Mexico Lobos running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt runs the ball in for a touchdown during the second quarter. | Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Croskey-Merritt could be a good flier

"There's room for Croskey-Merritt to get onto the field early as a special teams return man and third-down back. The scheme fit and need in Washington for a pass-catching threat make this a fun pick," Miller wrote.

The Commanders will have both Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler enter free agency in the offseason, so Croskey-Merritt has a golden opportunity to seize a starting job if he makes a decent enough impression in his first season with the team.

Reps may be hard to come by if an injury doesn't occur, but Croskey-Merritt could be the potential beneficiary of a vulnerable situation.

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