Who Should I Start? Travis Hunter or Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Friday, February 13, 4:44 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars two-way player Travis Hunter (knee) is expected to be 100% healthy for Week 1 of the 2026 season this fall, according to Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network, although his usage will change a lot. Hunter's rookie season ended early due to an LCL knee injury that required surgery, and he finished with 28 receptions for 298 yards and one touchdown on 45 targets in seven games played. Wolfe reports that the Jaguars plan to use the former Heisman Trophy winner as a full-time cornerback and part-time wide receiver in 2026. In 2025, Hunter played more than double his snaps on offense than as a defensive back. Jacksonville thinks Hunter can be an elite cornerback while also being an impact player on offense, although this news is going to drastically affect his fantasy value in a negative way entering Year 2.

Thursday, February 19, 8:38 AM

Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt was a 7th-round pick in 2025 following an unorthodox finish to his college career, and he became a popular sleeper pick heading into his first season. With the Commanders' running back room lacking obvious star talent, the path was there for the explosive young back to claim the top spot. Following an early-season injury to Austin Ekeler, Croskey-Merritt was given multiple chances to secure the role. While he was never able to take a stranglehold of the position, injuries and ineffectiveness around him never let him stray too far from relevance. With Ekeler set to hit the open market and Chris Rodriguez Jr. a restricted free agent, Washington will likely bring in another back to compete for touches. However, after putting up two of his best games against divisional foes over the final month of the season, Croskey-Merritt should have every chance to compete for a primary role again in 2026.