Jacory Croskey-Merritt’s lone season at Arizona will always be a “what-if.” The lack of reps in 2024 didn’t stop one NFL franchise from giving him a chance at the next level though. On Saturday, the Washington Commanders drafted Arizona running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the seventh round with the 245th-overall pick by the Washington Commanders.
Croskey-Merritt appeared in just one game for the Wildcats in 2024 due to concerns around his eligibility. In his lone game, he rushed for 106 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries in the season opener against New Mexico, his former team. In his final season with the Lobos the year prior, Jacory, who also goes by Bill, rushed for 1,190 yards and 17 touchdowns on 189 carries. He also hauled in another touchdown and 72 yards on seven receptions during his lone season in Albuquerque. He received an Honorable Mention All-America by College Football News and Second Team All-Mountain West honors following the 2023 season.
In preparation for the draft, he participated in the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl, where he rushed for 97 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries, leading the West to a 25-0 win. Croskey-Merritt earned Offensive MVP honors following his performance.
With the Washington Commanders drafting Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Arizona has four players taken in the NFL Draft for the first time since 2008. He joins wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, who was selected 8th-overall by the Carolina Panthers, offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea, who was taken 37th-overall by the Miami Dolphins, and kicker Tyler Loop, who was drafted 186th-overall by the Baltimore Ravens.