2025 NFL Draft: RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt taken in 7th round by Commanders, giving Arizona most picks since 2008

Jacory Croskey-Merritt only got to play one game for Arizona, but in that brief appearance he showed the kind of skills that made him look like a future pro. He added to his case with great performances in a postseason all-star game and pre-draft workouts.

That was good enough for the Washington Commanders to take the ex-Wildcat running back in the 7^th round on Saturday, using the 245^th overall pick. He became the fourth UA player to be picked in the 2025 NFL Draft, most since 2008.

he 5-foot-11, 208-pound Croskey-Merritt ran for 106 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries in Arizona’s 2024 opener against New Mexico, but then concerns about his eligibility led the UA to hold him out the rest of the season. Croskey-Merritt had previously played at New Mexico, where he ran for 1,190 yards and 17 TDs in 2023, and Alabama State.

Croskey-Merritt played in the East-West Shrine Bowl, earning offensive MVP honors after rushing for 97 yards and two TDs. He then stood out in workouts, showing off his speed and physicality, and entered the draft ranked by Pro Football Focus as the No. 262 overall prospect.

While Croskey-Merritt began his career elsewhere, Arizona’s other three drafted players were homegrown. Wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan went 8^th overall to the Carolina Panthers, offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea was a 2nd-round pick of the Miami Dolphins and kicker Tyler Loop was taken in the 7^th round by the Baltimore Ravens.

The last time Arizona had four players picked in one draft was 2008 when cornerback Antoine Cason went in the 1^st round to the San Diego Chargers, linebacker Spencer Larsen went to the Denver Broncos in the 6^th round and defensive back Wilrey Fontenot (Atlanta Falcons) and defensive tackle Lionel Dotson (Dolphins) went in the 7^th round.