Jeremy McNichols faces a tough challenge to secure a spot on the Washington Commanders’ running back roster for the 2025 NFL season, contending closely with Bill Croskey-Merritt and Chris Rodriguez Jr. Only one of these backs is expected to make the opening 53-man roster, creating an intense competition among the trio. McNichols’ experience, Croskey-Merritt’s determination, and Rodriguez’s previous flashes of promise will be central to the team‘s decision.

Chris Rodriguez Jr.’s Journey to Make the Roster Again

Entering the previous season, Chris Rodriguez Jr. found himself on the precarious edge of the Commanders’ roster, initially failing to make the 53-man squad and landing on the practice squad instead. His opportunity arose as team veterans Antonio Gibson and Brian Robinson Jr. suffered injuries, leading to Rodriguez gaining snaps in seven games during the latter half of the season. Rodriguez showcased his potential notably in Week 13 against the Tennessee Titans, rushing 13 times for 94 yards and a touchdown. He also scored in the Week 17 victory over the Atlanta Falcons that secured a playoff berth. Despite these bright moments, Rodriguez remained behind veteran runners on the depth chart throughout 2024, including McNichols. With Rodriguez set to re-sign for 2025, his fight for a roster place will only intensify.

Bill Croskey-Merritt’s Determined Quest to Impress

Seventh-round pick Bill Croskey-Merritt enters the 2025 season with high personal goals and a strong desire to prove himself on the field as a rookie. Known for his competitive spirit, Bill embraces the challenge of surpassing expectations that have historically been difficult for late-round running backs under the Mason-Brennan system. While some late-round backs have faltered, a select few have emerged as surprising contributors. Croskey-Merritt’s mindset is clear on a podcast interview where he states his priorities:

“Making the team, going out there and producing, helping the team win a Super Bowl—that’s my rookie goal,” he said. “I feel like if we go out there and do that, then the other stuff will come. Rookie Player of the Year and all the other stuff, you feel me? So I feel like just going out there and winning and helping, and just letting the other goals fall into place.”

—Bill Croskey-Merritt, Running Back

Bill is uninterested in lowering expectations, eager instead to embrace the excitement of preseason and compete for his chance to shine.

Analyzing the Depth Chart: Only One Slot Available

The Commanders’ running back depth chart shapes up as a collision course between McNichols, Croskey-Merritt, and Rodriguez, but only one is expected to survive final roster cuts. McNichols brings veteran savvy and prior experience with the team, while Rodriguez aims to capitalize on his contributions last season despite limited opportunities. Croskey-Merritt, meanwhile, carries the hunger and raw ambition of a late-round draft choice with clear goals for immediate impact. The final roster decision will reflect performance, consistency, and fit within the coaching staff’s vision.

The Broader Context: Commanders’ Overall Outlook and Challenges

The 2024 season revealed strengths and vulnerabilities across the Commanders’ roster, particularly highlighting the defense as a strong unit under Vic Fangio’s leadership while pinpointing the run defense as an area needing improvement. The defensive line, despite contributions from edge defender Dorance Armstrong, ranked near the bottom in PFF grading. On offense, the quarterback position flourished with Jayden Daniels stepping up to lead the team to the NFC Championship game, exhibiting impressive dual-threat skills. Against this backdrop, securing a reliable running back remains essential to complement the passing game and bolster offensive versatility.

Emerging Talent and Undrafted Additions to Watch

Beyond the running backs, the Commanders’ 2025 offseason included promising undrafted free agent signings such as Florida State cornerback Fentrell Cypress II. Armed with notable athletic capability, Cypress has the potential to contribute on defense as a specialized man-coverage player. His impressive pro day metrics—6-foot-1 height, 181 pounds, 4.43-second 40-yard dash, 38-inch vertical jump, and exceptional agility demonstrated by a 6.84-second three-cone drill—give the coaching staff reasons to consider him for a roster spot. CBS Sports analyst Chris Trapasso underscored Cypress as a potential surprise:

“Fentrell Cypress II is a man-coverage specialist with the athletic attributes to play that role in the NFL. While not ridiculously long, the former Florida State star is 6-foot-1 and 181 pounds with 4.43-second speed in the 40-yard dash, a 38-inch vertical jump and tremendous agility illustrated by his 6.84-second time in the three-cone drill at the Seminole pro day. Sometimes that natural talent is all a cornerback needs to impress coaches enough to go from undrafted to on the roster in Year 1.”

—Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports Analyst

The Pressure on Late-Round Running Backs and Historical Context

The legacy of late-round running backs in Washington’s recent history presents a mixed picture. While some players like Alfred Morris have succeeded, the majority have struggled to make a lasting impact, with many never even appearing in regular season statistics. This reality tempers expectations for players like Croskey-Merritt, who must navigate high hopes against steep odds. The Commanders’ coaching staff and fans watch closely to see if another late-round surprise will emerge to bolster the team’s offensive backfield.

Impact of Veteran Leadership and Coaching on Roster Decisions

Veteran leadership, particularly from players like Jeremy McNichols, plays a pivotal role in roster evaluation. McNichols’ prior experience with the Commanders offers stability and proven performance, valuable traits in a demanding NFL environment. Meanwhile, coaches led by Head Coach Ron Rivera and Offensive Coordinator Eric Bieniemy assess not only raw talent but also how each running back fits into their planned offensive schemes, which emphasize both ground and aerial attack balance. The intense competition at this position spotlights the importance of adaptability and readiness for each contender.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for the Commanders and Their Fans

The battle for the running back spot between McNichols, Croskey-Merritt, and Rodriguez encapsulates the high-stakes nature of NFL roster construction, where only the most effective and consistent players secure their futures. For the Commanders, this decision will influence offensive dynamics as the team aims to improve upon last season’s successes and shore up weaknesses, particularly in run production and playmaking depth. Fans can anticipate a close evaluation process during training camps and preseason games, with intense scrutiny placed on how these backs perform under pressure.

Wider NFL and NFC East Context Affecting Team Dynamics

Within the NFC East, the Commanders face stiff competition, notably from rivals like the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, and New York Giants. The Eagles, fresh off a championship-winning season, maintain a ferocious defense while addressing pass game inconsistencies. Dallas boasts a formidable pass rush but struggles defensively against the run, and the Giants seek quarterback stability after notable roster changes. These dynamics reinforce the Commanders’ need to solidify all facets of their roster, including the backfield, to remain competitive.

Other Noteworthy News and Team Developments

As Washington prepares for the 2025 campaign, other notable developments include veteran players‘ efforts to mentor younger teammates and enhance locker room cohesion. Defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr.’s leadership and candid insights highlight the importance of team culture in refining the Commanders’ identity. Additionally, offseason acquisitions such as Laremy Tunsil have been recognized for their potential impact on strengthening the offensive line, indirectly benefiting running backs by improving run blocking and pass protection.

Final Thoughts on the Rookie Running Back Race

The competition among Jeremy McNichols, Bill Croskey-Merritt, and Chris Rodriguez Jr. represents a crucial storyline for the Washington Commanders heading into the 2025 season. The team‘s decision will reflect not only individual talent but also readiness to perform in critical moments and contribute to the team’s overarching goals. With only one roster spot available, the upcoming months promise to be a grueling proving ground where determination, skill, and adaptability must converge. For the Commanders and their supporters, this battle is a defining element of their pursuit of sustained success.