Mike Washington runs for 63 yards vs. Cardinals

McFadden believes that Washington will see “meaningful snaps,” and while the Raiders could still add a back to the roster to help on third downs, Washington looks to be their clear backup at this point. Given how Klint Kubiak split reps at the running back position last year in Seattle, there’s at least a chance that Washington could be a name of fantasy interest this year. Getting any amount of first-team reps as a rookie is a good sign.

Nothing is set in stone, but this quote is worth paying close attention to. Kubiak employed a steady two-running back rotation in the Seahawks’ Super Bowl run last year. Is it possible he would adjust his philosophy if the backfield’s talent requires him to do so? With a “slight” smile, Kubiak said that the team wants “to put a lot of pressure” on RB1 Ashton Jeanty, before noting that 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey’s “play-snap percentage is high. So, those great backs, they don’t want to come off the field.” Jeanty echoed the sentiment, saying, “if I don’t have to, I don’t want to come off the field.” Now, if rookie RB Mike Washington Jr. takes spring and summer practices by storm, Kubiak will probably rotate him in regularly. However, it seems as though Kubiak is at least open to the idea of featuring Jeanty as a full-time player.

It should be mentioned that the Raiders are one of the teams that have kept tabs on Najee Harris this offseason — it’s possible that they bring in a veteran back to compete with Washington ahead of the season. But it’s hard to not draw the conclusion that McFadden does from the current depth chart. It’s not like Dylan Laube has done anything at the NFL level either.

Washington (6’1/223) turned heads by running a 4.33 40 at the NFL Scouting Combine. As a rookie, he is set to compete for the Raiders’ No. 2 role behind starting RB Ashton Jeanty. If he wins it, Washington would be a worthwhile bench stash in re-draft leagues, in case Jeanty misses time. Per Spotrac, Washington’s $5.36 million deal includes $1.1 million in guarantees.

The Raiders traded No. 134 and No. 208 for No. 122. Following a redshirt season, Washington (6’1/223) got the ball rolling at Buffalo in 2022 with a 150-625-7 rushing line, leading the Bulls in all three of those stats. After falling under 100 carries in his next campaign, Washington transferred to New Mexico State, where he ran for 725 yards and eight scores on 157 attempts. One final transfer put him at the top of Arkansas’s backfield. He finally posted a true breakout season, running for 1,070 yards and eight scores on 167 totes. Washington also took a notable step forward as a receiver, compiling 228 yards and one score on 28 grabs. With 17 carries for 15+ yards, Washington’s speed was apparent on tape, but no one was prepared for his NFL Combine performance. Washington blazed a 4.33 40 with a 39” vertical and a 10”8 broad jump. At his size, the Isaac Guerendo comparison made itself. Washington’s Arkansas breakout puts him in a class above Guerendo as a prospect, but it’s also fair to say Washington has yet to live up to the potential of his absurd athleticism. He will need to hone his footwork and vision in the pros to make that happen. Washington will get a chance to backup the Raiders’ 2025 rookie running back, Ashton Jeanty.

Washington also has top-30 visits lined up with the Buccaneers, Packers and Seahawks. Washington stands 6'1/223 and turned heads at the NFL Scouting Combine by running a 4.33-second 40. Per NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, Washington is projected as a Day 2 pick. In his final college season, Washington rushed 167 times for 1,066 yards and eight touchdowns and caught 28-of-36 targets for 226 yards and one touchdown.

Washington, after excelling at the NFL Combine, has been linked to a few teams, including the Broncos. Bowen said Washington, who went for 1,070 yards and eight touchdowns at Arkansas in 2025, would be a solid fit for Seattle’s offense. “Under new coordinator Brian Fleury — who coached with Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco — we should expect a run game that leans on motion and movement in both zone and gap concepts,” Bowen said, adding that Washington would likely be a Day Two pick. “Washington has the lateral agility to fit in that scheme, and he can dart through daylight with his 4.33 speed. His frame can handle NFL volume, plus he can produce on swings and screens as a pass catcher.” The Seahawks backfield is in flux after Ken Walker left for Kansas City in free agency and Zach Charbonnet continues to recover from a late-season knee injury. The Seahawks signed former Packers RB Emanuel Wilson in free agency. Washington would make sense for Seattle if the team looks to bolster its backfield in the second or third round.

Per Klis, Arkansas RB Mike Washington Jr., Washington RB Jonah Coleman, Kentucky RB Seth McGowan, Nebraska RB Emmett Johnson, Penn State RB Nicholas Singleton and Texas A&M RB Le’Veon Moss are among the “possibilities” at running back. Klis is not declaring that a running back will be the pick. Reports on the Broncos’ backfield simply remain somewhat in flux. The team re-signed veteran RB J.K. Dobbins to a two-year, $20 million contract this offseason and it remains to be seen whether last year’s 60th overall pick, RB RJ Harvey, is a real candidate to be the team’s long-term starter. For now, Dobbins appears to be slated for Week 1 starting duties, but Harvey or a rookie could challenge him for the role.

Not only did that give Washington the fastest time amongst running backs, but he did so at 6' 1", 223 pounds, giving him a 99th percentile weight-adjusted 40 time. There have been questions about his draft profile throughout the process this offseason, but his weight-adjusted speed score alone could catapult him up draft boards in the coming months ahead of the NFL Draft in April. He did his part to help his case on Saturday.

Mostert entered Week 17 questionable to play due to knee and ankle injuries. He is not fantasy-relevant on his own. His absence could result in a few late-game touches for RB Zamir White and RB Dylan Laube. Neither player should be anywhere near fantasy lineups, though. Starting RB Ashton Jeanty could feasibly handle all backfield touches against the Giants today.