UKHTTC summer series: the RBs in D.C

Here at UKHTTC, we continue the off-season summer blogs with a look at the Commanders’ positional groups. Last time out, we predicted the starting offensive line in Washington. For this feature, we focus on the running back group in D.C.

If going by the 2024 season, the Commanders will have slots for three running backs on the 53-man roster. Who will be the starter, who will carry the load, and who might miss out?

Predicted RB1 – Brian Robinson Jr. (2022 NFL Draft, 3rd round, 98th overall)

Do the Washington coaches pretty much know that Robinson Jr. has hit his ceiling, or does the former Alabama back have more to showcase in the NFL? In the three playoff games in 2024, Robinson Jr. saw his yards per carry dip to just 3.6.

Maybe it was the better defenses faced in win-or-out football, or maybe fatigue from a heavy load in the regular season while playing catch-up?

This is the last year of his rookie deal, and running behind what is expected to be a more athletic and skilled offensive line might equate to a decent jump, and a welcome headache for the salary cap crunchers.

Robinson Jr. experienced two separate leg injuries in 2024—initially his knee midseason, followed by a hamstring—leading to three missed games (Weeks 6, 9, and 10). Overall though, his health in the NFL has been good.

Third-down back – Austin Ekeler (2017 NFL Draft, 2nd round, 52nd overall)

There have to be some doubts about Austin going into the 2025 season based on two separate concussion injuries. As a kick returner, Ekeler was first-class, but again, does a concussion history mean a continuation of that role?

Against Detroit in the playoffs, Ekeler was a true dual threat even with a limited total of ten possessions: 6 carries for 47 yards (7.8 YPC), 4 receptions for 41 yards (10.3 YPR). It highlighted that there is still an explosive player suiting up for the burgundy & gold, and Ekeler will be on the roster for 2025.

The rookie – Jacory “Bill” Croskey‑Merritt (2025 NFL Draft, 7th round, 245th overall)

The Commanders drafted RB Jacory “Bill” Croskey‑Merritt in the 7th round of the 2025 NFL Draft—a profile that fits what fans call a “slasher” running back: agile, explosive, and dangerous in small spaces.

Head Coach Dan Quinn has often mentioned his preference for guys with singular, but high-level, traits, and in Croskey-Merritt, Washington might have a steal in the 2025 Draft.

Camp reports have highlighted his explosiveness, and ‘Bill’ is likely to take the third slot ahead of Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Summary

We can be honest and say that the Commanders RB room will not necessarily lead to DCs in the NFL having sleepless nights.

But – there is a final year of his rookie contract RB1, a potential steal rookie with obvious one-cut magic, and, if healthy, a continued homerun/kick return threat in Ekeler. Given also the improvements across the Washington offensive line, we might see a unit that overperforms in 2025.