Who Should I Start? Brashard Smith or Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Tuesday, May 6, 7:13 PM

The Kansas City Chiefs have signed rookie seventh-round running back Brashard Smith to a four-year, $4.33 million deal. Kansas City selected the 22-year-old with its final pick in April's draft, No. 228 overall. Smith spent the first three campaigns of his collegiate career as a Hurricane in Miami, and started just ten games, but was a do-it-all player contributing in the rushing, receiving, and return game. His move to SMU during his final season proved to be an excellent decision as he rushed for 1,332 yards and 14 touchdowns across 235 carries (5.7 YPC). The first year back has speed for days (4.39 40-yard dash) and stands out in that regard amongst other Kansas City rushers. While there's a steep climb to the top in terms of playing time, it wouldn't be surprising to see the former Mustang push for snaps. He's an intriguing late-round selection in dynasty rookie drafts for the time being.

Tuesday, May 27, 3:06 PM

Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt is a potential sleeper to watch during the team's offseason activities, according to Ben Standig of The Athletic. "A back-end roster player who could garner significant attention in the offseason: Jacory Croskey-Merritt," Standig wrote. "The 5-foot-11, 208-pounder has the goods to get there despite sitting out nearly the entire 2024 college season with eligibility issues. If Kingsbury falls for this competitive runner's one-cut burst, there could be a running back room shake-up." The seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft spent the first four seasons of his collegiate career at Alabama State before a breakout season at New Mexico, where he rushed 189 times for 1,190 yards and 17 touchdowns. In 2024 at Arizona, he rushed 13 times for 106 yards and one score in one game appearance. While Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler remain penciled in as the RB1 and RB2 for Washington, it sounds like Croskey-Merritt is a name worth monitoring later in the offseason. If he makes the roster, he could be worth stashing in deeper redraft and dynasty leagues. Last season, third-string running back Jeremy McNichols popped up on the fantasy radar, so anything is possible.