Arkansas RB Mike Washington Jr. Emerges as Ideal Complement to Raiders' Ashton Jeanty

The 6-foot-1 running back profiles as a mid-round draft target to provide balance to the Raiders' backfield.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:09pm

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The Las Vegas Raiders will be looking to add a complementary running back to their featured back Ashton Jeanty in the 2026 NFL Draft. Arkansas' Mike Washington Jr. could be an ideal target, as the 6-foot-1 back profiles as a sizable and athletic option to pair with the 5-foot-8 Jeanty. Washington Jr. ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the combine and rushed for 1,070 yards on 6.4 yards per carry in 2025, making him a potential day 2 selection for the Raiders.

Why it matters

The Raiders' rushing attack was heavily reliant on Jeanty last season, as he received 266 carries. Adding a bigger, more explosive back like Washington Jr. could provide more balance and a different look for opposing defenses to gameplan against.

The details

Washington Jr. is a 6-foot-1, 215-pound running back out of the University of Arkansas. He posted impressive combine numbers, running a 4.33-second 40-yard dash and recording a 39-inch vertical jump. In 2025, he rushed for 1,070 yards on 6.4 yards per carry and scored 8 touchdowns. The Raiders are likely to target a complementary back to Jeanty, who is 5-foot-8 and 208 pounds, in the 2026 draft.

  • Washington Jr. ran his 40-yard dash and vertical jump at the 2026 NFL Combine in March.
  • In the 2025 college football season, Washington Jr. rushed for 1,070 yards and 8 touchdowns for Arkansas.

The players

Ashton Jeanty

The featured running back for the Las Vegas Raiders, Jeanty is 5-foot-8 and 208 pounds.

Mike Washington Jr.

A 6-foot-1, 215-pound running back out of the University of Arkansas, Washington Jr. is a potential mid-round draft target for the Raiders.

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What they’re saying

“Jeanty's frame at 5-foot-8, 208 pounds calls for the Raiders to add a taller ball-carrier to serve as his backup next season, in the event that the front office addresses the position in the draft.”

— Matt Legros, Author

“Who better to show opposing teams a different look than Arkansas' 6-foot-1 RB Mike Washington Jr.? The Raiders have the potential to see Washington Jr.'s name on the board on day 2 of the draft.”

— Matt Legros, Author

What’s next

The Raiders will have the opportunity to evaluate Washington Jr. further at the 2026 NFL Draft, where he could be available as a mid-round selection to complement Jeanty in the backfield.

The takeaway

The Raiders' rushing attack was heavily reliant on Jeanty last season, and adding a bigger, more explosive back like Washington Jr. could provide more balance and a different look for opposing defenses to gameplan against. Washington Jr.'s size, speed, and production at Arkansas make him an intriguing mid-round target for the Raiders in the 2026 draft.