Jacory Croskey-Merritt was a star at New Mexico, played in just one game in 2024 at Arizona because of eligibility issues, and has been lighting up the pre-draft process. Here is a 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report and film analysis on him.
Overview, Film Analysis, And 2025 Scouting Report Of Arizona RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt
Measurables:
- 5’10”
- 206 lbs
Player Background:
The Lanier HS graduate committed to Alabama State in the 2019 class, attending the Hornets as an unranked recruit. He saw brief action his freshman year, playing in eight total games. In said games, he ran the ball 72 times for 186 yards and two scores with six grabs for 98 yards as a receiver. His role stayed similarly limited during the shortened 2020 season, with 17 carries for 65 yards and a score in five games.
He saw time in 10 games in 2021, totaling over 500 yards and six touchdowns. Croskey-Merritt’s 2022 campaign continued on the same level, with slightly over 600 total yards and four rushing TDs. He transferred to New Mexico in 2023 and was a massive breakout story. He ran for almost 1,200 yards and scored 18 times in 12 games and was one of the best backs in the Group of Five. After leaving again for Arizona, he ran for 106 yards and a touchdown in 2024’s opening week before eligibility issues from his freshman season shut him down for the rest of his career.
Accolades:
- Honorable Mention All-American (2023)
- Second Team All-Mountain West (2023)
Strengths/Pros:
Croskey-Merritt’s first step is incredible and he accelerates well through the handoff, hitting early holes and limiting negative gains. He’s patient when the line of scrimmage when holes get blocked up and his footwork is good enough to slide through smaller gaps. When he gets to the holes he flashes some sharp jumpcuts to get to the second level with ease. His lateral acceleration is fantastic when planting hard, evading downhill defenders, and working outside well.
He’s a major home run threat when he gets into space and is an incredibly creative runner when he’s downfield in space. Croskey-Merritt’s feet are very decisive, rarely getting choppy and sinking into his hips well to drive forward. His awareness of gaps opening is adequate and his vision at the line is solid. He drives vertically as a route runner and his hands and catch transitions are smooth. He shows good effort as a pass protector and extends his hands well to get early contact.
Weaknesses/Cons:
Croskey-Merritt’s second-level vision is too inconsistent. At times, he cuts toward crowds instead of gaining easy yards in front of him. He gets a bit stiff as a runner and lacks the body fluidity of many high-level backs. His weight has fluctuated a bit in an attempt to become more physical, but he has struggled with movement skills when gaining muscle. He’s not thick or strong enough to be a reliable power rusher and has to rely mainly on working in space.
His feet do get a bit clunky when getting to the second level and he needs to improve his compact movements in space. Croskey-Merritt needs to know when he’s beaten in the backfield, trying to create too much on broken plays. His awareness as a pass blocker is an issue, especially on rushers around the edge. He also takes some ill-advised blocking chances and fails to sustain some blocks.
Potential Team Fits:
NFL Projection:
Evaluating Croskey-Merritt as a prospect is interesting, considering he’s rarely played since his 2023 campaign. With that being said, he’s an electrifying back who’s seen his stock explode in the pre-draft process. He’s going to be somewhat of a dart throw with the mysteries surrounding his current profile, but the highs he’s put on tape are very desirable. He could work himself into an RB1 role in the right system and has the complete play style to at least be an effective RB2.
Prospect Grade:
- Early 4th Round
Film Exposures:
- 2024 vs. New Mexico
- 2024 vs. Texas A&M
- 2024 vs. Fresno State
- BONUS: 2024 Shrine Bowl
Main Photo: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
