Croskey-Merritt bulks up to break tackles; ball security remains concern.

Running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, a seventh-round pick from 2025, has added about seven to eight pounds of muscle this offseason. According to John Keim, Croskey-Merritt wants to break more tackles and become the dynamic runner the Commanders need. Last year he broke a tackle every 13.5 rushing attempts as a rookie, and a struggle keeping runs going after initial contact is one reason why he struggled to earn enough carries in too many games. The more pressing adjustment involves ball security; he put the ball on the ground four times in 2025, and Keim noticed he sometimes extends the ball from his body.