Mike Washington Jr. adds big-play threat to Las Vegas Raiders’ backfield via 2026 NFL draft

OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI - SEPTEMBER 13: Mike Washington Jr. #4 of the Arkansas Razorbacks carries the ball during the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) | Getty Images While the Las Vegas Raiders used the sixth overall selection on running back Ashton Jeanty last year, the offense headed into the 2026 NFL draft needing to find a complement for Jeanty in the backfield.

General manager John Spytek found one in the fourth round, adding former Arkansas running back Mike Washington Jr. to the roster. Washington gained notoriety during the NFL Combine by measuring in at 6-foot-1, 223 pounds and clocking a 4.

33-second 40-yard dash while also recording a 39-inch vertical jump to earn a 9. 90 Relative Athletic Score . In a way, that summarized his season as the former Razorback was one of the most explosive running backs in College Football this year.

Of his 1,066 rushing yards, 515 came on “breakaway” runs (15 yards or more), according to Pro Football Focus . That was 14th among all FBS backs and fourth in the SEC, and Washington’s 17 breakaway runs were tied for 12th and tied for fourth in the same respective categories. In other words, Washington is a big play waiting to happen.