Mike Washington

Washington is one of the most notable size-speed specimens to ever step into the NFL, as the 6-foot-1, 223-pound runner logged a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. The issue is that it's not obvious whether he has much else going for him as a running back prospect. Washington most recently played for Arkansas in 2025, but before that he spent one year at New Mexico State and three years at Buffalo. In those first four years, Washington averaged only 4.39 yards per carry, and by the end of his Buffalo career he had been benched for non-prospect Ron Cook. He was also outplayed at New Mexico State by seventh-round rookie Seth McGowan. Outrageously fast and strong as he might be, Washington's poor production implies some number of hitches, be it related to movement or processing, or both. Dubious as Washington's rushing production was in college, his receiving numbers were even worse -- 73 receptions for 470 yards and three touchdowns on 117 targets (62.3-percent catch rate, 4.0 YPT). Throw in Washington's fumbling issues (11 in the last two years) and it sure seems like he'd need a lot of polish before becoming a viable NFL starter. The Raiders are hoping for the opposite, of course, with Washington potentially even starting in his regular-season debut now that Ashton Jeanty is uncertain with an ankle injury. Washington broke off runs of 53 and 33 yards in the preseason, seemingly cementing the No. 2 RB job before Jeanty sprained his ankle Aug. 23. Read Past Outlooks