In these final weeks before the 2025 season, most fantasy football users are either gearing up for their draft or making finishing touches to their roster. Amid some recent moves, one member of the Washington Commanders has emerged as one of this year’s biggest sleepers.
On Friday, the Commanders slightly shrank their loaded running back corps. Following a three-year stretch with the franchise, Brian Robinson Jr. was traded to the San Francisco 49ers for a pick in the 2026 draft.
With Robinson Jr. on the move, Austin Ekeler is likely to assume the primary duties in Washington’s backfield to start the season. However, this trade also opens the door for a preseason standout to further showcase his talents.
Also read: NFL Fan Makes Bold NBA Comparison for Commanders’ Recent Trade
Jacory Croskey-Merritt named among top fantasy football sleepers
During the Commanders’ three preseason matchups, one major storyline was the play of running back Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt. After being drafted in the seventh round, he’s emerged as someone who could be an instant contributor for Washington.
Croskey-Merritt finished the preseason with 70 yards on 18 carries and one touchdown.
With each impressive showing, Croskey-Merritt’s stock quickly rose. Now, many feel he’s made a strong case to be one of Washington’s primary options in the backfield.
On Saturday morning, ESPN’s Adam Schefter did a full fantasy football breakdown for the 2025 season. When breaking down sleeper candidates at the running back position, Croskey-Merritt was among the top players mentioned.
“There has been an inordinate amount of hype surrounding this seventh-round pick,” Schefter wrote.
Also read: Ex-Player Sounds Off on Commanders’ ‘Stupid’ Terry McLaurin Saga
Before making the jump to the NFL, Croskey-Merritt had an up-and-down college career. In 2023, he logged over 1,200 scrimmage yards at New Mexico. Croskey-Merritt then transferred to Arizona for his senior season. However, he’d end up playing in just one game due to injury.
Despite this, the Commanders still decided to take a flier on him with a late-round pick.
As far as fantasy football goes, Croskey-Merritt is an intriguing target towards the end of the draft. Seeing the urgency which the Commanders parted with Robinson, it’s clear they have faith in his potential. Also, given Ekeler’s age and injury history, he likely won’t have a massive workload week-to-week. This could result in someone like Croskey-Merritt getting an opportunity to slowly climb the ranks.
Only time will tell if Croskey-Merritt is able to carry his momentum from training camp and preseason into the regular season.
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