Adam Peters didn't have much to work with during the 2025 NFL Draft. The Washington Commanders felt like there was an opportunity to go all-in on making sure their run to the NFC Championship game could become the start of something sustainably special. It was the correct call, but that came at a price.
Trading for proven performers — cornerback Marshon Lattimore, wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., and left tackle Laremy Tunsil — wasn't cheap. These blockbuster transactions left the Commanders with five selections in the draft. And the general manager opted to stand pat rather than attempt to trade down for additional capital.
This also piled more pressure on Peters to hit on his picks. His first draft class was a mixed bag, though hope is not lost for most. But if the front-office leader wants to move away from aging veterans, he needs to start stacking good drafts to achieve this objective.
It's still early days, but we regraded the Commanders' 2025 draft class after the team reached its midseason point.
Re-grading the Commanders' 2025 NFL Draft class at midseason point
Commanders drafted Jacory Croskey-Merritt
Running Back | Arizona Wildcats
Round No. 7 | Pick No. 245
With their final pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, they picked running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Seventh-round picks are a crapshoot, and not many make the grade when push comes to shove. However, it seems as if the Washington Commanders have hit the jackpot.
Croskey-Merritt immediately blazed a trail. He set the tone through purposeful running, seizing every opportunity that came his way over the summer. He earned a place on the roster, and the Commanders were so confident in his potential that they traded Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers.
The backfield force was expected to be brought along gradually. These plans changed when Austin Ekeler tore his Achilles tendon in Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers. Croskey-Merritt was thrust into the starting role, and despite some ball security issues, it's been immensely encouraging.
Washington hasn't had the ground game going over the last two games. Croskey-Merritt has struggled to get into a rhythm as a result. Even so, that doesn't detract from his positive outlook with a bit of extra polish to his skill set.
Post-draft grade: B+
Midseason grade: A+
Finding rough diamonds who become stars is what separates the good teams from the also-rans. There is a long way to go, but the Commanders might have exactly that in Croskey-Merritt.