FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Arkansas running back Mike Washington Jr.
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2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Mike Washington Jr.
Mike Washington Jr. (RB – Arkansas)
6-foot-2 | 228 Pounds
Background
Mike Washington Jr. originally attended Buffalo, where he played sparingly in 2021 before splitting carries with Ron Cook Jr. the following year, leading the team in rushing with 150-625-7 (4.2).
Lost the starting role to Cook the following year, finishing with 90-362-2 (4.0), then transferred to New Mexico State and split carries with Seth McGowan, finishing with 157-725-8 (4.6). Transferred to Arkansas for the 2025 season and took over the starting role, with 167-1,070-8 (6.4) and 28-226-1 receiving.
Positives
Big back who transferred into the SEC and made 2025 by far his best season, playing in a more gap-based scheme than what he’d been in previously. Decisive, north-south runner who doesn’t waste time hitting the hole, and has very good burst. Shows quick feet in the backfield and makes simple, clean cuts to slot into rushing lanes.
Able to win the edge on east-west concepts. Surprisingly skinny through creases, given his size. Washington has home-run hitting long speed, with a hard-charging running style. Is easily able to make his way through arm tackles once he gets going. Was used on some interesting routes in Arkansas’ offense, with some wheel routes and flat wheels.
Has the speed to outrun linebackers down the sidelines. Frame gives him potential as a blocker. Has only four career kick returns to his name, but the type of athletic profile that could work really well there.
Negatives
Washington spent five years in school, so he’s a bit older than some of his peers in the class. Doesn’t play with the type of power you might expect given his size. His pad level as a runner is higher than usual, and that can undermine his ability to push the pile and rack up yards after contact. Doesn’t show the best leg drive to finish.
Won’t make too many defenders miss in space. More likely to slip through congestion than to juke someone in a phone booth. Ball security has been an issue, with 10 fumbles against 582 career carries. Dropped eight career passes against 73 receptions. Shows good form in blitz pickup, but isn’t the most physical there, playing smaller than his size would suggest.
Summary
A difficult evaluation in that he offers a very impressive combination of size, decisiveness, burst and speed, but isn’t the most complete runner. As it currently stands, Washington’s high pad level and inconsistent leg drive prevent him from pushing the pile after contact.’
Has some issues with ball security and in blitz pickup. Those traits make him a bit of a boom-or-bust prospect with a higher ceiling and lower floor than many of his peers. Will likely get some mid-round interest.
Projection: Round 5
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