Hogs Haven
Getting to know the Commanders’ rookie class
In the past, guessing whom the Commanders might pick in the seventh round has been an exercise in futility. By that point in the draft, player evaluations are all over the place, and NFL teams frequently pick players that fans and media have never heard of.
In Adam Peters’ first two drafts in Washington, it seems to have got a lot easier. Look for prospects with freaky athleticism, projected to be available in the late rounds for reasons other than lack of NFL upside, with double-barrel last names, who have received a lot of attention from the team, and you’re well on your way to having a short list.
In Peters’ first season in Washington, the Commanders selected Notre Dame defensive end Javontae Jean-Baptiste (RAS 9.13). JJB was blessed with the length that NFL teams covet for the position, combined with NFL-level speed and explosiveness who had met with the team three times during the draft process, including visiting Ashburn for a Top 30 Visit. I was one of the few HH regulars to not earmark JJB as the Commanders’ seventh round pick, because I overestimated the impact that his 239 lb combine weight would have on the team’s decision. That was while I was just beginning to learn about the new coaching staff’s schemes and player preferences.
This year’s selection was high on my radar as a late-round RB option for the Commanders ever since he burst onto the scene with a standout performances in Hula Bowl practices and as the Shrine Bowl offensive MVP. His selection was widely hailed as a draft steal for good reason. He brings a skillset that was missing from the Commanders’ rushing attack. He runs with vision and burst to hit holes to create more than the blocking gives him, combined with breakaway speed to rip off long gains when he finds room. At the very least, he expands the rushing attack as a complementary piece, adding lightning to Brian Robinson’s thunder. But it would not be a huge surprise to see him compete for starting reps in training camp.
One thing about Croskey-Merritt that slipped under my radar before the draft was his curious nickname, “Bill”. Readers who have seen my comments may know I have a particular interest in players with distinctive names. A name can tell you a lot about an NFL hopeful’s chances. Fifth round pick Kenneth Gainwell, for example, has been a sneaky good addition as a rotational running back for the Eagles. And Commanders fans don’t need to be reminded that paying more attention to players’ names could have helped Ron Rivera avoid the blunder of signing Chris Blewitt as a place kicker.
When Bill-in-Bangkok releases an update of his Commanders’ roster projection, I diligently pore through the depth ranks in search of unannounced new additions with names reminiscent of menu items at an ethnic restaurant I’ve been meaning to go to, who could become the next Bunmi Rotimi.
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