Mike Washington Jr.
Las Vegas Raiders·#4·6'2"·228 lb·ArkansasScouting Report
2026 draft class
Mike Washington Jr is a late-blooming physically imposing running back who traveled an unconventional path from two-star recruit at Buffalo to New Mexico State to finally breaking out at Arkansas in the SEC. At 6-0.5 and 228 pounds he has a muscle-bound frame built to absorb contact running with aggression and a strong forward lean that consistently falls forward after initial hits. Washington surpassed 1000 rushing yards for the first time in 2025 leading the Razorbacks backfield while ranking among the best draft-eligible Power Four running backs at gaining yards after contact. His breakaway run rate of 48.3 percent placed him in the top five among Power Four backs showing he can outrun defenders once in the open field. He is a patient runner who presses close to his blockers before cutting through the hole with surprisingly sharp jump cuts for his size. His combination of agility and size ranks near the top of the class at his position. However ball security is a serious concern with 10 career fumbles including seven in the past two seasons. His pass protection is unrefined as he bends at the waist and lunges forward rather than anchoring with balance. He lacks the final gear to turn intermediate gains into touchdowns consistently and runs a limited route tree restricting third-down value. Bleacher Report graded him at 7.2 ranking him 85th overall and RB5 comparing him to Latavius Murray.
Strengths
- Power and physicality with muscle-bound frame built to absorb contact
- Patience and vision pressing close to blockers before cutting through holes
- Surprisingly sharp jump cuts and agility for 228-pound frame
- Good acceleration through rushing lanes reaching top speed quickly
- Excellent contact balance driving legs through contact with stiff arms and spins
- among the most explosive and hardest-to-bring-down backs in the Power Four
- Downhill punishing running style imposing will on closing defenders
Concerns
- Serious ball security concern with 10 career fumbles seven in past two seasons
- Hip stiffness limiting sudden movement changes on wide zone runs
- Unrefined pass protection bending at waist and lunging instead of anchoring
- Limited receiving ability with restricted route tree and experience
- Lacks final gear to consistently turn intermediate gains into touchdowns
- Does not always play to his size in short-yardage situations
- Average open field elusiveness not changing directions at high level
College Production
2025 (Arkansas): 1000+ rush yds leading team. 3.86 YAC/att (6th P4). 48.3% breakaway rate (top 5 P4). Career: 10 fumbles
Honors
Second-team All-CUSA (2024 NMSU). Second-team All-SEC (2025 Arkansas). Senior Bowl invitee