RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt, WAS (2 Viewers)

[(HULK)]

Quinn specifically answered a reporter’s question in the affirmative and elaborated about how they would have C-Rod in there in short yardage and goal line.

I read that same quote. Can confirm.

You are both wrong. Bill to the moon......no other RB will get touches and even Daniels will defer to the man simply known as "Bill".

Looking forward to 3 years from now and we're all screaming for the front office to "Pay the Bill!"

 

[dgreen]

JCM is exactly the type of fantasy RB you want on your squad .. He’s gonna rack up points just being in a high powered offense next to Jayden Daniels .. Easy points with an elusive quarterback. He just needs 15 touches a game.

Yeah, I see a pretty easy path to ~1200-1400 yards and 5 - 10 TDs. Assuming he's healthy across 17 games. I think his floor games will be around 8 ppg, and ceiling games could be around 20ish points.

Yes but the GL work will be important because with a mobile QB and Ekeler, there could be few receptions and few TDs for JCM. That might just leave him with like 1100 yards, 4 TDs and 20 catches and that's kind of whatever.

JD5 isn't going to have designed runs inside the 10 much at all. However, he may run if a passing play breaks down. And he could take it to the house from further out. But, he's built like a twig, he will not a tush push vulture or anything. Bill has to beat out Crod for goalline duties, and I'm sure he will eventually.

Sure but he is going to vulture more GL TDs than most QBs. He had 6 TD runs last year. They came on runs of 1,1,3, 9 ,14, 17. He's not on the Hurts, Allen level but those were the only 2 QBs who had more rushing TDs last year.

In my mind, those short ones were broken passing plays. It's no different than a passing QB throwing it in from the 1. Do we call that vulturing? I have always considered that separate.

For the record, all of JD5's TDs last year were on designed runs, including the one he had in the NFCCG. They like to go shotgun read option, or traditional option with him including, obviously, in the redzone and at the goaline.

So they aren't QB sneaks like Hurts and Allen, but still something to consider when projecting JCM's TDs.

I just watched them in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XYjFkODYro

Three on read options.

Two on designed runs with no option (although the second TD against TB looked like maybe BRob was a pitch option, but I think he was just a decoy)

And then one against Tennessee that is hard to tell. I think there was a pass option and he quickly chose to run. I don't think it was a straight pass play where he scrambles, but it also doesn't look like a straight run either.

 

[dgreen]

Option plays are passing plays in my mind.

I'm not sure what you mean by that. There are option plays where the only options are runs (his Cincy and Dallas TDs run are an example of this) and there are plays with run-pass options (I think his first TB TD and his Ten TD are probably examples of this since some receivers run actual routes) .

 

[VaTerp]

JCM is exactly the type of fantasy RB you want on your squad .. He’s gonna rack up points just being in a high powered offense next to Jayden Daniels .. Easy points with an elusive quarterback. He just needs 15 touches a game.

Yeah, I see a pretty easy path to ~1200-1400 yards and 5 - 10 TDs. Assuming he's healthy across 17 games. I think his floor games will be around 8 ppg, and ceiling games could be around 20ish points.

Yes but the GL work will be important because with a mobile QB and Ekeler, there could be few receptions and few TDs for JCM. That might just leave him with like 1100 yards, 4 TDs and 20 catches and that's kind of whatever.

JD5 isn't going to have designed runs inside the 10 much at all. However, he may run if a passing play breaks down. And he could take it to the house from further out. But, he's built like a twig, he will not a tush push vulture or anything. Bill has to beat out Crod for goalline duties, and I'm sure he will eventually.

Sure but he is going to vulture more GL TDs than most QBs. He had 6 TD runs last year. They came on runs of 1,1,3, 9 ,14, 17. He's not on the Hurts, Allen level but those were the only 2 QBs who had more rushing TDs last year.

In my mind, those short ones were broken passing plays. It's no different than a passing QB throwing it in from the 1. Do we call that vulturing? I have always considered that separate.

For the record, all of JD5's TDs last year were on designed runs, including the one he had in the NFCCG. They like to go shotgun read option, or traditional option with him including, obviously, in the redzone and at the goaline.

So they aren't QB sneaks like Hurts and Allen, but still something to consider when projecting JCM's TDs.

Option plays are passing plays in my mind.

In 2023, Mahomes threw 13 TDs inside the 5 yard line. Headed into 2024, I don't remember people heavily discounting Pacheco's TD upside due to this. I guess what I'm saying is, JD5 will score TDs but that doesn't mean that there aren't plenty available for the RBs. The bigger impact is Crod and Bill will have to earn the trust to get past him, which he should because Crod is just-a-guy IMO.

I not talking about run/pass read option. These are straight up designed running plays with the option being to handoff to the RB or keep it himself. On every one of those TDs (I'm a lifelong Skins/Commander fan and have watched each of these plays multiple times) it was clear that JD5 intended to run it himself at the snap.

So Mahomes passing inside the 5 is apples and oranges.

I'm not saying you should heavily discount Bill's TD upside. But it's a fact that JD5 will have his own number called on running plays- including at the goaline and in the redzone. Barring injury, I would be shocked if he is not top 3 in rushing TDs again alongside Hurts and Allen. And that will have some impact on the RBs TDs. CRod is another factor I think you are a bit to quick to dismiss.

I'm a huge JCM fan and think he is an upgrade over BRob- who had 8 TDs himself last year. But just as a matter of fact and counter to what you stated, JD5 scored ALL of his rushing TDs on designed runs last season.

 

[Ilov80s]

Quinn specifically answered a reporter’s question in the affirmative and elaborated about how they would have C-Rod in there in short yardage and goal line.

I read that same quote. Can confirm.

I believe him but just have to hope that Bill proves he is capable of handling some of the GL work as well. Maybe there is a difference between when they have the ball at the 1 or 2 and then they have the ball at the 5. Get Bill in on those RZ looks and it will take care of itself I think. Ultimately, we have enough facts to know CRod is a C- player at best. If Bill can prove he's a B- or better than he's just naturally going to get more and more high value opportunities. How a coach sees a situation with a rookie in August isn't necessarily how they will see it in October or November.

 

[smbkrypt24]

He just went in the 8th round of FBG draft as someone's RB2

 

[VaTerp]

JCM is exactly the type of fantasy RB you want on your squad .. He’s gonna rack up points just being in a high powered offense next to Jayden Daniels .. Easy points with an elusive quarterback. He just needs 15 touches a game.

Yeah, I see a pretty easy path to ~1200-1400 yards and 5 - 10 TDs. Assuming he's healthy across 17 games. I think his floor games will be around 8 ppg, and ceiling games could be around 20ish points.

Yes but the GL work will be important because with a mobile QB and Ekeler, there could be few receptions and few TDs for JCM. That might just leave him with like 1100 yards, 4 TDs and 20 catches and that's kind of whatever.

JD5 isn't going to have designed runs inside the 10 much at all. However, he may run if a passing play breaks down. And he could take it to the house from further out. But, he's built like a twig, he will not a tush push vulture or anything. Bill has to beat out Crod for goalline duties, and I'm sure he will eventually.

Sure but he is going to vulture more GL TDs than most QBs. He had 6 TD runs last year. They came on runs of 1,1,3, 9 ,14, 17. He's not on the Hurts, Allen level but those were the only 2 QBs who had more rushing TDs last year.

In my mind, those short ones were broken passing plays. It's no different than a passing QB throwing it in from the 1. Do we call that vulturing? I have always considered that separate.

For the record, all of JD5's TDs last year were on designed runs, including the one he had in the NFCCG. They like to go shotgun read option, or traditional option with him including, obviously, in the redzone and at the goaline.

So they aren't QB sneaks like Hurts and Allen, but still something to consider when projecting JCM's TDs.

I just watched them in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XYjFkODYro

Three on read options.

Two on designed runs with no option (although the second TD against TB looked like maybe BRob was a pitch option, but I think he was just a decoy)

And then one against Tennessee that is hard to tell. I think there was a pass option and he quickly chose to run. I don't think it was a straight pass play where he scrambles, but it also doesn't look like a straight run either.

Yeah, I watched that video yesterday. Lmao

When I say read/option I think the option was handing off, not passing. The TENN one is the only one where the WRs are actually running routes. I cant tell if that is just to throw the defense off or if he just made a quick decision to run.

Regardless, I think Daniels rushing TD potential is a factor in projecting Bill's stats. Less a consideration than Hurts and Allen but a consideration nonetheless.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Ultimately, we have enough facts to know CRod is a C- player at best

Possible, sure. And while it’s “best shape of his life SZN!” so maybe take with a grain of salt, but reportedly CRod has dropped 10 lbs without losing power.

I also recall that after being cut, he came back and went 93 yards on 13 carries with a TD. So perhaps not as JAGgy as we might think?

I think your grade of CRod could use a little context is all. Plenty of C- players are more effective situationally. And it sure sounds like WAS sees his RZ / short yardage skill set as well above a C-.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

He just went in the 8th round of FBG draft as someone's RB2

Hero RB play. Gotta respect it if they’re stacked at WR, QB & TE.

JCM is as good a dart throw as most in that range.

 

[smbkrypt24]

He just went in the 8th round of FBG draft as someone's RB2

Hero RB play. Gotta respect it if they’re stacked at WR, QB & TE.

JCM is as good a dart throw as most in that range.

yeah, I would call them stacked at WR only. They took a WR heavy approach.

 

[pipedream]

Went at the 7.12 in our FBG draft as their RB3 with Mason, Tracy, Dobbins still available

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Regardless, I think Daniels rushing TD potential is a factor in projecting Bill's stats. Less a consideration than Hurts and Allen but a consideration nonetheless.

It has to be. Heck, just his rushing ability is a factor in projecting WAS RB stats.

Dude had 148 rushing attempts - runs not going to WAS RBs. 6 Y/A.

I don’t see him getting worse. Doesn’t mean Bill (and to a lesser degree CRod) won’t get a sizable workload, but it’s not nothing either.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Went at the 7.12 in our FBG draft as their RB3 with Mason, Tracy, Dobbins still available

I last night’s FBG Bowl draft he went 7.12/8.01 (technically 8.01, but that’s splitting hairs) before Dobbins, RS, Eke, & Mason, but after Tracy (me, at 7.08) ETN (@TheWinz 7.10) Warren, & Swift.

His ADP seems to have settled to that ~7th round. I have a ROC draft tonight & will note where he goes for the collective good. If I remember. Heh

 

[Gatorade]

Quinn specifically answered a reporter’s question in the affirmative and elaborated about how they would have C-Rod in there in short yardage and goal line.

I read that same quote. Can confirm.

You are both wrong. Bill to the moon......no other RB will get touches and even Daniels will defer to the man simply known as "Bill".

Looking forward to 3 years from now and we're all screaming for the front office to "Pay the Bill!"

Or the FO might be complaining about that "overdue Bill"

 

[(HULK)]

Option plays are passing plays in my mind.

I'm not sure what you mean by that. There are option plays where the only options are runs (his Cincy and Dallas TDs run are an example of this) and there are plays with run-pass options (I think his first TB TD and his Ten TD are probably examples of this since some receivers run actual routes) .

I misunderstood you, I was thinking RPO, not exclusive run options. Mea culpa.

 

[socrates]

The JCM thread now has more pages than the TreVeyon Henderson thread. It is still less than half the Shedeur Sanders thread, however.

 

[BlackCrowes]

I’m in! 10.07 in my home town 10-team redraft. LFG!

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

He went 8.08 in tonight’s ROC, so maybe he’s settling in a bit ADP-wise. I would have smashed at 8.12 for sure. I took Tracy over him 7.01, and I’m ok with that. For now.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

The JCM thread now has more pages than the TreVeyon Henderson thread. It is still less than half the Shedeur Sanders thread, however.

How’s she stack up to the Josh Gordon thread?

 

[rockaction]

I was telling eighsse2 that there is a running back story that everybody would be interested in if not for this kind of spectacularity. You've got so many good RBs and so much intrigue and teams not making way for guys much more talented than some vets that it's crazy. The kid Montrell Johnson from Florida, he of the really fast, big quicks didn't make the Philly squad while that speed score oaf with the YPC last year of 3.4, A.J. Dillon, has a place. Argh. You're kidding.

Damien Martinez got cut. Raheim Sanders got cut. There are other make way stories not coming to fruition and yet WAS seems competently run and decisions have been made to clear the runway for liftoff.

 

[(HULK)]

He went 8.08 in tonight’s ROC, so maybe he’s settling in a bit ADP-wise. I would have smashed at 8.12 for sure. I took Tracy over him 7.01, and I’m ok with that. For now.

You can watch that decision play out in real time Week1 as they play each other.

 

[TartanLion]

Fingers massively crossed. When you’re trading away high picks for a playoff run in dynasty each year it becomes absolutely massive if you can take a 4th round rookie pick that lands. Theres 1st and 2nd rounders that bust all the time after all

 

[mjb03003]

Home league draft went kinda different than I expected and I ended up waiting on RBs. Took a Charbonnet in the 7th, Jordan Mason in the 8th, and was ecstatic when Bill was still there in the 9th at pick 107. Sounds like that’s much later than ADP currently but I considered him in the 7th and 8th but forced myself to go the safer route and to take guys with a guaranteed 1B role (in run-heavy offenses). Got lucky.

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

On the one hand, every few years one of these late round rookie RB hype trains comes roaring along. I still remember the Wali Lundy hype around here.

On the other hand, I’m a sucker for Wali Lundy type hype trains. All aboard!

 

[(HULK)]

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

I'm not familiar with the creator, but this is a really good breakdown of Bill.

I still think he's a steal in the 7th or later. He's going to be a reliable RB2 (ranked 13-24) at worst.

 

[need2know]

got him as my rb4-5 in all leagues. how did my league mates not see this guy

 

[TheDirtyWord]

The JCM thread now has more pages than the TreVeyon Henderson thread. It is still less than half the Shedeur Sanders thread, however.

How’s she stack up to the Josh Gordon thread?

These are rookie numbers.

 

[yabahos]

Been doing DK BB drafts consistently for the last two weeks. Over the weekend he was in the pick 80 to 90 range. Yesterday was a noticeable jump (three drafts) and he's in now going in the pick 60-70 range. Bill comes at a premium and I've switched to sprinkling in Rodriguez (pick 165-190) depending on what I've got at RB.

The tier of RBs he's grouped with are Jones, Mason, Monty, Tracy and Charbonnet.
The QBs available in that range are Nix, Murray, Prescott, Mayfield.
The WRs available in that range are Olave, Kupp, Addison, Jennings.
The TEs available in that range are Hockenson, Kelce, Engram.

 

[bcat01]

Who are we starting him over in Week 1?

 

[Drake Hater]

Who are we starting him over in Week 1?

Great question. I'd say over Ekeler, Javonte, Rhamondre and Chubb.

 

[Gally]

got him as my rb4-5 in all leagues. how did my league mates not see this guy

They didn't know to look him up simply as "Bill"

 

[Gally]

Who are we starting him over in Week 1?

I have to decide between Mason, Bill, Pierce, Monangai, C-Rod,

I am leaning going with Mason (MNF as a bonus) because I think his role is safer at this point but it's tempting to go Bill.

ETA: I also have Charbs. I forgot about him because he is currently on my TS and I haven't activated him yet.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Who are we starting him over in Week 1?

The league I have a share I have
Gibbs, Kaleb Johnson, Charbonnet, Allen, Allgeier, Sean Tucker, Stevenson, Keaton Mitchell, and Justice Hill.

Probably rolling with Gibbs & Kelab but it’s tempting to give JCM a look. I still might do that. I’m heavily favored week 1, so I can likely get by with whomever.

 

[need2know]

Who are we starting him over in Week 1?

The league I have a share I have
Gibbs, Kaleb Johnson, Charbonnet, Allen, Allgeier, Sean Tucker, Stevenson, Keaton Mitchell, and Justice Hill.

Probably rolling with Gibbs & Kelab but it’s tempting to give JCM a look. I still might do that. I’m heavily favored week 1, so I can likely get by with whomever.

no flex?

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

no flex?

Oh that was totally a flex. Look how good my RBs are! Oh, wait, you meant…

lol I’m running 5-wide. It’s a start 10 SF format, no K, no D/ST. I’m going with 2 QB, 2 RB, 5 WR, 1 TE. Seems prudent when my WRs are Lamb, AJB, DJM, DeSmith, and Jamo.

I wouldn’t roll out Bill over any of those WRs in full PPR. But tempting over Johnson.

 

[Gally]

Probably rolling with Gibbs & Kelab but it’s tempting to give JCM a look. I still might do that. I’m heavily favored week 1, so I can likely get by with whomever.

Not sure why you would favor Kaleb over JCM. Both are rookies in a time share situations. I would have more confidence in JCM than Kaleb for game 1

 

[need2know]

no flex?

Oh that was totally a flex. Look how good my RBs are! Oh, wait, you meant…

lol I’m running 5-wide. It’s a start 10 SF format, no K, no D/ST. I’m going with 2 QB, 2 RB, 5 WR, 1 TE. Seems prudent when my WRs are Lamb, AJB, DJM, DeSmith, and Jamo.

I wouldn’t roll out Bill over any of those WRs in full PPR. But tempting over Johnson.

wow crazy wrs

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

wow crazy wrs

Newest start-up league. Somehow I also have Mayfield+Purdy at QB, and Gibbs.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Probably rolling with Gibbs & Kelab but it’s tempting to give JCM a look. I still might do that. I’m heavily favored week 1, so I can likely get by with whomever.

Not sure why you would favor Kaleb over JCM. Both are rookies in a time share situations. I would have more confidence in JCM than Kaleb for game 1

Tbh I don’t have a ton of confidence in either. Like I said, that’s the choice I have, and I haven’t actually decided for sure yet.

 

[ffmail4me]

Who are we starting him over in Week 1?

The league I have a share I have
Gibbs, Kaleb Johnson, Charbonnet, Allen, Allgeier, Sean Tucker, Stevenson, Keaton Mitchell, and Justice Hill.

Probably rolling with Gibbs & Kelab but it’s tempting to give JCM a look. I still might do that. I’m heavily favored week 1, so I can likely get by with whomever.

I swear this isn’t my homerism talking but nit sure I’d start Kaleb over Bill. Bill has looked much better in the preseason and from reading all the camp reports. Wouldn’t surprise me if Warren easily out touches and scores Kaleb week 1.

 

[Gally]

Who are we starting him over in Week 1?

The league I have a share I have
Gibbs, Kaleb Johnson, Charbonnet, Allen, Allgeier, Sean Tucker, Stevenson, Keaton Mitchell, and Justice Hill.

Probably rolling with Gibbs & Kelab but it’s tempting to give JCM a look. I still might do that. I’m heavily favored week 1, so I can likely get by with whomever.

I swear this isn’t my homerism talking but nit sure I’d start Kaleb over Bill. Bill has looked much better in the preseason and from reading all the camp reports. Wouldn’t surprise me if Warren easily out touches and scores Kaleb week 1.

This is my impression as well.

 

[ffmail4me]

And I don’t know if Adam Peters has an ego, but if he does, wouldn’t you want to showcase your smarts for trading your starter away and hitting on this 7th round gem? I think Bill will be given a chance to produce week 1

 

[roarlions]

How much would you bid for Bill in preseason waivers using a $250 budget that can be used from now through league playoffs?

 

[ponchsox]

How much would you bid for Bill in preseason waivers using a $250 budget that can be used from now through league playoffs?

Depends on your RB room. 25%?

 

[roarlions]

How much would you bid for Bill in preseason waivers using a $250 budget that can be used from now through league playoffs?

Depends on your RB room. 25%?

He'd probably be my RB2 or RB3 in a best ball league.

 

[barackdhouse]

Moved a future 2nd to grab him. My first dynasty share. It's the startup year so IDK if that 2nd projects late or not (I mean I'm confident but who knows). I have two opponents' 1st rounders next year so don't mind sending my 2nd away to give me JCM as my 3rd RB right now. I would argue that the price I paid is probably a skosh above cost, but I sort of doubt anyone would take a 3rd. That said, he could easily be Commanding a 1st+ by midseason (see what I did there?!)

I fear that even if he does ball out it might be a one or two year wonder at best.

But that's about all I expect out of cheap RBs anyway. Sure wish he'd been on my radar during rookie drafts in May.

For reference, in another league I offered a 2nd for JCM and was turned down.

 

[rockaction]

But that's about all I expect out of cheap RBs anyway. Sure wish he'd been on my radar during rookie drafts in May.

Just for future reference, but this makes me go “dammit.” I thought starting this in March and following it up consistently was like wearing fluorescent orange during deer hunting season. I try and reciprocate all I get from the SP by hyping certain guys.

I’m about 3-5 so far. I’ve started threads on Pacheco, Tiyon Evans, Bill, Bhayshul Tuten, and Xavier Jones. (Kendre Miller is also clearly one of “my guys,” but he went too early and had a thread.) When I see a guy with either great lateral movement or breakaway speed I get really interested and I’ll start a thread. It might come right before or during the combine. Generally I limit it to very late-round guys with a story or very good reason why they’re buried or going late. They’ve gotta have great highlights (I do not have access to “tape,” and I won’t pretend like I do.)

I wish I’d done it more often. People would have been clued in quicker. Not because this worked out, but I’m usually spending draft picks or FAAB on anybody I start a thread on. My skin is almost always in the game, and I take my team pretty darn seriously.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Wouldn’t surprise me if Warren easily out touches and scores Kaleb week 1.

Warren has actually looked terrible, especially the last game. To the point that a Steelers site is suggesting Kaleb will take over the gig. He couldn’t get anything going on the ground, and lost a fumble.

Steelers RB Jaylen Warren finally has the opportunity to lead Pittsburgh's rushing attack — but if you asked insider Mark Kaboly, the starting window may be short-lived.

According to Kaboly, he wouldn't be surprised if rookie Kaleb Johnson takes over as the starting running back sooner rather than later — in large part due to a "costly" turnover in the future, as also seen last week.
I could see [Warren] getting benched, yeah," Kaboly said, via 93.7 The Fan. "I could see him having a key fumble, coming out, Kaleb Johnson coming in, and Kaleb Johnson making that jump where he's taking over, we're going to go with him until something else happens."

In his preseason debut against the Carolina Panthers last Thursday, to say Warren struggled would be an understatement — as he fumbled the ball on his second touch of the contest and slipped on back-to-back plays in the opening drive.

IIRC that’s the Steeler’s beat writer.

Meanwhile Johnson has gotten better as the preseason has gone on. He has 7 evaded tackles, tops on the team. The early season shine Warren was getting had me nervous until I watched that last preseason game.

Anyway, I’m still unsure who I’ll flex. JCM is definitely in the running, but I’m not dismissing Johnson because of Warren. More the ambiguity of how touches will be distributed and whether PIT can even field a competent offense.

 

[Stinkin Ref]

He went in the 7th round in a 12 team home league last night. Dang.

Holy Crap! That's, by far, the highest I've seen him go.

I took him 7.05 last night but again it's an old school non-ppr and RBs get pushed up a bit more than most leagues. The next 4 RBs to go were Jordan Mason, JK Dobbins and Charbonnett. In retrospect, I probably prefer Charbs but the commish of the league always prints out ESPN positional ranking sheets for anyone who wants to use them and Bill is much higher ranked than those RBs on the RB list so I felt like if I wanted to, it was my last shot.

I guess I can be all about just having fun or whatever.....but this should not be happening if there is $$$ on the line...

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

I guess I can be all about just having fun or whatever.....but this should not be happening if there is $$$ on the line...

Yeah, as commish I print out 1 thing for my leaguemates: a blank roster sheet

And since everyone has cellphones to take a pic of the draft board, it’s kind of an anachronism (but I still do it for nostalgia)