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Is Chris Rodriguez Jr., Jacory Croskey-Merritt, or Austin Ekeler the RB1 for the Commanders? Should you draft Rodriguez, JCM, or Ekeler in 2025 fantasy football drafts? Patrick's expert draft analysis and advice.
The Washington Commanders just served up a fresh new batch of backfield value. In trading Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers, they cleared out 207 touches from the 2024 season, including 24 from inside the 10-yard line, where seven of Robinson’s team-leading eight rushing TDs were scored.
On a team currently favored to win 12 of 17 games, those vacated opportunities matter. This offense figures to spend plenty of time salting away leads, and that's a recipe for fantasy success.
Chris Rodriguez Jr., Jacory Croskey-Merritt, and Austin Ekeler will shape this backfield into something new for 2025. With fantasy drafts in full swing, the question becomes: which one is worth your pick?
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Chris Rodriguez Jr. Fantasy Football Outlook
Rodriguez is currently first in line for Robinson's early down work, but it's difficult to see real staying power. Through two seasons, the 2023 sixth-round pick has logged just 175 total snaps and has touched the ball 89 times.
He's a serviceable grinder at nearly 225 pounds, averaging 4.9 yards per carry in his limited action, but there's little evidence to suggest he's more than a rotational body. Rodriguez's greatest appeal comes from his projected goal-line work, with head coach Dan Quinn recently telling reporters he likes Rodriguez's tackle-breaking ability in small spaces.
HC Quinn on if Chris Rodriguez will replace Brian Robinson Jr. as the short-yardage/goal line back, via @BenStandig:
"Yes. And I would say there are also parts of our offense that are a little bit untraditional."pic.twitter.com/N16eXqPxKR
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) August 21, 2025
He is draftable as a last-round dart throw on the hopes of a Week 1 touchdown, but it's possible he doesn't ever claim enough of Robinson's vacated touches to make him a reliable fantasy starter, especially when there are more talented backs on the roster.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Fantasy Football Outlook
Croskey-Merritt… or JCM… or Bill… or the second coming of Walter Payton if you've spent any time on X recently, is the reason the Commanders felt comfortable dealing Robinson.
When Bill Croskey turned 18, HIS parents moved out! https://t.co/hcxwCHK2uP
— Mike Wright (@FFHitman) August 23, 2025
His journey to this point is as strange as it gets. He bounced from Alabama State to New Mexico to Arizona, lost a year of collegiate eligibility because a teammate wore his jersey, took just 24 snaps in his lone Power Five season, didn't get a Combine invite, and was the final running back selected in a loaded draft class.
Yet his hard-to-ignore combination of vision, burst, and balance makes him a natural fit in Kliff Kingsbury's RPO-heavy offense, and until Terry McLaurin returns, he might be their most explosive weapon outside of Jayden Daniels.
Like most rookies, he's still a work-in-progress in pass protection, and it remains to be seen if he can handle the grind of a full NFL season, but his ADP has not yet caught up to the bizarre set of circumstances that have landed a 24-year-old 7th-round rookie in the potential lead back role of a high-powered offense. Until it does, he should be drafted without hesitation.
In dynasty leagues, he's a classic sell-high candidate for contenders and a brag-worthy hold for rebuilders.
Austin Ekeler Fantasy Football Outlook
Amidst the Robinson trade rumblings and JCM glow-up, Ekeler's ADP has remained relatively unchanged, making him the most undervalued option in the Commanders' backfield.
Austin Ekeler only climbing 5 spots since Brian Robinson Jr. was essentially let go doesn't seem right. pic.twitter.com/yx9Tf7D9TI
— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) August 21, 2025
While the fantasy community was ready to move on after his disappointing final season with the Chargers, Ekeler quietly rebounded last year in Washington, operating with extreme efficiency in the passing game before a concussion derailed his season.
This is his role. Neither Croskey-Merritt nor Rodriguez threatens him as a pass-catcher. He ran a career high 77 routes out of the slot in only 12 games last season, and his 12.3 yards after catch per reception was number one amongst RBs and number two overall, behind only Marvin Mims Jr. His 1.69 yards per route run was also third among running backs who saw at least 20 targets.
However, with goal-line touches just up for grabs, it's worth remembering that in 2021 and 2022, Ekeler converted 49 carries from within the 10 into 20 touchdowns. While it's reasonable to think the Commanders would like to keep their elder statesman fresh for a playoff run, if Rodriguez or JCM should struggle in a redzone role, it's comforting to know that Ekeler has the chops to do the dirty work the kids aren't ready for.
TRENDING: The Washington #Commanders run this awesome goal line drill where their running backs have to JUMP OVER THE GOAL LINE.
5-foot-9 Austin Ekeler was the only player able to get over goal-line.
😱😱😱
pic.twitter.com/vY7cTBhF2l— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) August 21, 2025
Who Should You Draft in Fantasy Football?
In redraft formats, Ekeler is the safest bet. He has the most well-defined role and a weekly floor, especially in PPR leagues. Croskey-Merritt is the upside swing, capable of sneaking into RB1 territory if he grabs early-down and goal-line work outright.
Rodriguez is a touchdown-or-bust flier, nothing more. Draft Ekeler with confidence, grab JCM everywhere you still can, and don't be afraid to churn and burn Rodriguez the moment his usage disappoints.
Who Should I Draft Tool
You can also see the Who Should I Draft tool here.
Who Should I Draft? Some common 2025 fantasy football draft decisions are regarding players like Chris Rodriguez Jr., Jacory Croskey-Merritt, and Austin Ekeler. But not to worry, we are here to help make these decisions and build winning teams in 2025. Draft your optimal fantasy football teams for 2025. Our free Who Should I Draft? tool will help make your fantasy football draft decisions. Compare up to four NFL players, and we tell you who to draft... all free! Make the right decisions.
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