As the NFL offseason transitions from free agency and the draft to training camp, fantasy football enthusiasts are gearing up for best ball and dynasty drafts. With a surplus of talented running backs overlooked in this year’s draft, several sleeper candidates have emerged, particularly for dynasty leagues. DJ Giddens of the Indianapolis Colts stands out with impressive stats from his time at Kansas State, showing potential as a significant contributor in the Colts' backfield alongside Jonathan Taylor.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt, despite limited college exposure, has shown promise during the pre-draft process and could carve out a role with the Washington Commanders. Tahj Brooks has also caught attention with a dominant late-college career, finding a place with the Cincinnati Bengals. The New Orleans Saints' Devin Neal and Green Bay Packers' MarShawn Lloyd offer intriguing options worth monitoring as well.

The buzz around the rookie running back class for the 2025 NFL season is reaching a fever pitch, with several lesser-known names poised to make significant impacts in fantasy leagues. Among the intriguing prospects is Brashard Smith of the Kansas City Chiefs, a former wide receiver turned running back, who could thrive in a shifting backfield. Meanwhile, Woody Marks from the Houston Texans brings versatility as a receiving back, likely to capitalize on the team's need for a solid RB2 given Dameon Pierce's struggles. Jordan James of the San Francisco 49ers shows promise as a power runner and could benefit from Christian McCaffrey's injury history.

Additionally, Jacory Croskey-Merritt of the Washington Commanders, despite being a seventh-round pick, has the potential to seize opportunities in a competitive backfield. Phil Mafah of the Dallas Cowboys rounds out the list with his powerful running style, presenting a potential gem in deeper fantasy leagues. Overall, the 2025 NFL rookie running back class is rich with sleeper picks that could reshape fantasy rosters.

As the Washington Commanders prepare for the 2025 season, the running back situation is a significant concern. General Manager Adam Peters opted not to draft higher-profile backs, instead selecting Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the seventh round. This choice may hinge on the performance of Brian Robinson Jr., who struggled last season with efficiency and effectiveness, raising questions about his health and play recognition.

Backup Austin Ekeler had a solid tenure as a third-down back, and the team is keen to maximize his contributions in that role. The Commanders will need Robinson to step up in early downs to reduce Ekeler's workload and utilize him more strategically on third downs. The upcoming offseason and training camps will be pivotal for determining the running back strategy moving forward.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt, a Washington Commanders rookie, has garnered attention not only for his football skills but also for his unique nickname, 'Bill'. During a recent team meeting, assistant GM Lance Newmark mistakenly referred to him by this nickname, which has its origins in Croskey-Merritt's childhood. Growing up in Montgomery, Alabama, he earned the moniker due to his bald head, resembling a character named Little Bill. This nickname has followed him through his football journey—from Alabama State to New Mexico and Arizona, where he faced challenges with NCAA eligibility but maintained a positive attitude and strong work ethic as a teammate.

His resilience and talent have not gone unnoticed, with analysts suggesting that his potential was underappreciated due to circumstances beyond his control. Newmark noted that Croskey-Merritt's lively personality and dedication during practice made a significant impression, contributing to the belief that the Commanders may have struck gold with this seventh-round pick.

The Washington Commanders made strategic moves in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting five players, with a focus on strengthening their roster on both offense and defense. Their final pick in the seventh round was Jacory Croskey-Merritt, a running back from Arizona. Though some analysts might overlook this choice, comparisons have been drawn between Croskey-Merritt and Alfred Morris, who emerged as a sixth-round steal for the Commanders in 2012. Morris not only became a Week 1 starter but also had an impressive rookie season that garnered significant attention, often overshadowed by his quarterback, Robert Griffin III. This history gives hope for Croskey-Merritt's potential impact on the Commanders' backfield.