Shawn’s Fantasy Files- Jacory Croskey-Merritt

By Shawn Lugo
Jacory Croskey-Merritt is definitely a name to watch as a late-round sleeper with real upside. The Commanders grabbing him in the 7th round looks like a strategic move with high reward potential, especially given the current running back landscape in Washington:

🏉 Austin Ekeler is clearly on the back nine of his career and may serve more as a receiving/change-of-pace back at this point.

🏉 Brian Robinson Jr., while solid, is entering a contract year and has yet to fully lock down a feature role long-term.

Croskey-Merritt's 2023 numbers stand out not just in volume but in efficiency:

💥 6.3 YPC on 189 carries shows he wasn't just a product of volume.
💥 39 runs of 10+ yards reflects legitimate breakaway ability.
💥 64 missed tackles forced and 3.98 yards after contact per attempt (YOC/A) show he’s not just fast—he’s hard to bring down.

🔥 His East-West Shrine Bowl MVP performance—97 yards and 2 TDs on just 11 carries—cemented his status as a legitimate pro prospect.

If he can carve out a role in camp—especially on early downs or in short-yardage situations—he could be a valuable piece, and a deep dynasty stash or training camp riser for fantasy players.

Outlook:
Let’s capture the dilemma fantasy managers face with Brian Robinson Jr.

⚙️ He's often labeled as a "volume-based grinder"—reliable in real-life football, but not always appealing in fantasy unless he's getting 18–20 touches per game.

Here’s why:

🐌 Limited explosiveness: Robinson rarely breaks off chunk plays or contributes big gains in the passing game. In 2023, he averaged just 4.1 YPC, and had only 7 runs of 15+ yards on over 178 carries.
🩹 In 2024 he had 187 carries averaging 4.3 YPC. Missed 3 games due to injury, which always adds volatility to a fantasy roster.
📉 Failed to reach double-digit fantasy points in 4 games—a concern for managers relying on consistent weekly production (7 of 18 fantasy weeks). Averaged just 10 fantasy points per game (PPR/3-year avg), placing him firmly in RB3/FLEX territory.

🚫 Low ceiling: His fantasy production often relies on touchdowns and sheer volume. If Washington’s offense stalls or they fall behind, his role diminishes fast.

💼 Passing-game role is capped: With Austin Ekeler in the mix, Robinson’s opportunities on third downs and in the red zone could continue to decline—especially in PPR formats.

In contrast, a player like Jacory Croskey-Merritt brings burst and tackle-breaking ability—traits that can translate to big plays and, ultimately, higher efficiency per touch.

📊 Unless Robinson takes a step forward, sees a significant uptick in scoring chances, or adds a pass-catching element/becomes a true goal-line vulture, he's a high-floor but low-ceiling fantasy option—safe, but uninspiring. He may settle in as a solid RB3/FLEX.