With Brian Robinson out of the way, late-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt has become a very popular riser. The 24-year-old Arizona grad has impressed in camp and looked explosive in the preseason. He’s a candidate for early down work in what should be a highly productive offense. His supporters are hoping he turns into a workhorse and league winner.

Chris Rodriguez Jr., a sixth-round pick back in 2023, has also garnered high praise, specifically from Head Coach Dan Quinn, who suggested that he is the favorite to take over Robinson’s opportunities in short yardage and around the goal line. Austin Ekeler remains in the mix as well and will probably work in on third downs and in the passing games. Of course, QB Jayden Daniels will chew up yards and TDs on the ground as well.

All this is to say that while JCM has a chance to be a significant value in the later rounds, moving all of one’s chips into the center of the table to draft the rookie above ADP may be overzealous. Buy JCM even on this recent surge.

Due to uncertainty regarding snap share and an underwhelming college profile, drafters should not be reaching beyond the 8th or 9th round. Christian Rodriguez is there in the later rounds as well and  both he and Ekeler will mix in and have solid weeks throughout the season.

–Blake Stachel (@bllakkay)