1. Introduction
Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt’s path to the NFL reads like a gridiron underdog story. From his beginnings as a zero-star recruit at Sidney Lanier High School in Montgomery, Alabama, to becoming the Washington Commanders’ seventh-round gem in the 2025 NFL Draft, his journey underscores resilience, athleticism, and untapped promise. In this draft profile, we’ll explore his college progression, measurable traits, scouting evaluations, and potential fit with the Commanders.
2. Early Life & High School
Born on April 12, 2001, in Montgomery, Alabama, Croskey-Merritt attended Sidney Lanier High School, where he earned the nickname “Bill” due to his resemblance to the title character from Little Bill when he had a near-bald hairstyle. His senior season included all-purpose momentum with rushing, receiving, and return yards, though he remained a zero-star recruit.
3. College Career
Alabama State (2019–2022)
Croskey-Merritt began his collegiate career at Alabama State, compiling 1,164 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns over four seasons. Though his production was steady, it wasn’t enough to draw significant national attention.
New Mexico (2023)
A transfer to New Mexico proved transformative. In 2023, he erupted for 1,190 rushing yards on 189 carries, crossing the end zone 17 times, and earning Second-Team All-Mountain West honors. He also recorded back-to-back 200-yard games and became one of the program’s most electric backs.
Arizona (2024) & Eligibility Issues
Croskey-Merritt’s final collegiate stop was at Arizona. Unfortunately, his season was curtailed by eligibility complications tied to a jersey number misassignment during his redshirt freshman year. He managed just one game, rushing for 106 yards and one touchdown.
East-West Shrine Bowl
Seeking to prove his readiness, he played in the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl, rushing for 97 yards and two touchdowns, earning Offensive MVP honors.
4. Athleticism & Measurables
At his Pro Day, Croskey-Merritt posted a 4.45-second 40-yard dash, a jaw-dropping 41.5-inch vertical leap, and a 10-foot-4 broad jump. NFL Draft analytics pegged his Relative Athletic Score (RAS) at 8.29, ranking 362 out of over 2,100 RBs since 1987. He measures approximately 5’10–5’11 and 206–208 lbs.
5. Scouting Report & Strengths
Experts label Croskey-Merritt as an aggressive, downhill runner with exceptional vision and lateral agility. He uses micromovements effectively to create arm-tackle leverage and exhibits patience in navigating cutback lanes. His low pad level, acceleration, and burst capability make him a dynamic change-of-pace weapon.
Field Yates highlighted his size, speed, and footwork combination as “intriguing,” though he noted Croskey-Merritt must hone instincts and vision for pro defenses.
6. Draft Selection & Preseason Buzz
On April 26, 2025, the Washington Commanders selected Croskey-Merritt with the 245th overall pick in the seventh round. Analysts praised him as a sleeper value pick, spotlighting his explosiveness. At rookie minicamp, coaches underscored his versatility and physical traits. Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
Training Camp Momentum
As of August 2025, Croskey-Merritt “is turning heads” at Commanders camp with well-received practice runs and a willingness to contribute on special teams.
7. Fit with the Commanders
With Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler ahead of him on the depth chart, Croskey-Merritt’s immediate impact may come as a special teams contributor or change-of-pace back. Analysts view him as a low-risk, high-upside developmental option with a chance to carve a niche if he continues to impress during camp.
8. Potential Role & Outlook
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First-: Second-down and change-of-pace back — ideal for inside zone or gap schemes.
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Special teams — early path to sticking on the roster.
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Developmental project — could blossom into more with NFL-level coaching, akin to Mark Ingram—his self-modeled inspiration.
If he adapts, Crawkey-Merritt could become one of the rare seventh-rounders to make a meaningful impact. Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
FAQs
Q1: What teams did Jacory Croskey-Merritt play for in college?
A: He played for Alabama State (2019–2022), transferred to New Mexico (2023), then briefly Arizona (2024) before entering the 2025 NFL Draft.
Q2: Why did he miss most of the 2024 college season?
A: Eligibility issues stemming from a jersey number discrepancy during his freshman year at Alabama State caused the NCAA to declare him ineligible for most of the 2024 season at Arizona.
Q3: How did he perform at the Shrine Bowl?
A: Croskey-Merritt rushed for 97 yards and two touchdowns, earning Offensive MVP honors at the 2025 Shrine Bowl.
Q4: What are Croskey-Merritt’s athletic measurables?
A: He ran a 4.45-second 40-yard dash, had a 41.5-inch vertical leap, and a 10-foot-4 broad jump, earning a RAS of 8.29.
Q5: What role is he expected to play with the Commanders?
A: Initially a special teams contributor and change-of-pace back, with potential to grow into a more significant offensive role if development continues.
Conclusion
Jacory Croskey-Merritt’s journey from a lightly recruited high school athlete to a high-ceiling seventh-round NFL prospect embodies perseverance and potential. With explosive athleticism and a breakout season at New Mexico demonstrating what he can do with an opportunity, he’s emerged as one of Washington Commanders’ most intriguing late-round selections. Given a supportive environment and his adaptability, Croskey-Merritt could prove to be more than draft-day fodder—perhaps even one of the draft’s best hidden gems.
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