Competition breeds success. Complacency breeds failure. That's the way it is in life and football, regardless of job title or status.
The Washington Commanders are banking on raised urgency and competition for places to steer them on the right path in 2025. They achieved much more than anyone anticipated in their first season under head coach Dan Quinn. But the focus must be on what comes next.
Everyone gets a clean slate. Everyone must prove themselves all over again. Anyone not pulling their weight or basking in the glory of previous accomplishments is going to get found out quickly.
And there is one overlooked rookie more than capable of making the veterans around him sweat in the training camp pressure cooker.
That, of course, is running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt won't be settling for rotational role with the Commanders
The Commanders believe they've found a legitimate steal on their hands in Croskey-Merritt. His draft stock plummeted after the NCAA revoked his eligibility one game into his transfer to Arizona. That was a devastating blow, but general manager Adam Peters saw enough in the prospect to give him a shot.
Croskey-Merritt had to wait a long time before the Commanders took him at No. 245 overall. He already had a massive chip on his shoulder, but it's even bigger now. And based on the impression made over Washington's offseason program, the East-West Shrine Bowl Offensive MVP is putting this extra motivation to good use.
While there was obvious disappointment about being overlooked until the seventh round, Croskey-Merrit may have landed in the best possible spot to earn playing time immediately.
The Commanders' running back room has questions to answer. Brian Robinson Jr. started well last season but regressed down the stretch. Austin Ekeler is aging and coming off a campaign where he suffered severe concussion issues. Jeremy McNichols is a backup and nothing more. The same probably goes for Chris Rodriguez Jr., who looks destined for a place on the practice squad once again.
That provides a window of opportunity for Croskey-Merritt. Capitalizing on it is crucial.
Croskey-Merritt is a decisive one-cut slasher with the explosiveness and aggression to exploit gaps. He's difficult to counteract in the open field and can also make his presence felt in the passing game when the situation dictates. Once the first-year pro improves his ability as a backfield blocker, the Commanders could have something special on their hands.
Tempering expectations would be wise where Croskey-Merritt is concerned, especially entering his first training camp as an NFL pro. But don't be surprised if an imposing start results in a surge up the depth chart to challenge for rotational reps.
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