Raiders Grab a Back-Up RB: Mike Washington Jr.

By Shane Hallam | Updated on Sat, Apr 25 2026 5:21 PM UTC

The Las Vegas Raiders selected Arkansas RB Mike Washington Jr. in Round 4 of the 2026 NFL Draft. Washington spent three seasons at Buffalo before making one-year stops at New Mexico State and Arkansas. He didn’t truly level up until this past fall in Fayetteville. The 6’1, 223-pounder ripped off 6.4 yards per rush and set career highs in carries (167), yards (1,070), and receptions (28). He also posted a sturdy 3.86 yards after contact per attempt, per PFF. Among the 20 RBs invited to the NFL Combine, Washington ranked eighth in 2025 rushing market share (46.3%), and fourth in yards after contact per attempt (3.86). He ranked 13th in 2025 missed tackles forced per attempt (0.20) and eighth in receiving yards per route run (0.99). He is currently 23 years old.

What They're Saying

Draft Sharks Rookie Guide: “Washington shows NFL burst and enough receiving polish to stay on the field in passing situations. That showed up again at the Senior Bowl, where he looked like the most complete back. Then he shredded the Combine.”

2026 Fantasy Football Impact

HC Klint Kubiak has commented about wanting a second RB to ease the load on RB Ashton Jeanty. He got his guy in Washington.

As the ultimate size and speed RB, Washington fits the Kubiak offense. He could have a smattering of touches even with Jeanty handling most of the load.

Washington’s value for redraft will lie as a handcuff for Jeanty. If injury should strike Jeanty, Washington could become a week-to-week fantasy starter.

That upside could be worth stashing on the bench in deeper leagues.

Dynasty Impact

Washington will likely be blocked long term by Jeanty, but he should still be considered in the late third round of rookie drafts.

The athletic upside combined with handcuff potential makes Washington worth rostering in dynasty.

Don’t overspend on Washington, but he is certainly on the dynasty radar.

Learn more about Mike Washington Jr.’s Dynasty Value

Shane Hallam, Writer

Shane has over 20 years of experience creating content and playing every fantasy football format, including redraft, dynasty, devy, C2C, IDP, CFF, and more. He is a multi-year winner of $500 dynasty leagues on the FFPC and a King's Classic Champion. Shane utilizes deep film and scheme study to enhance his fantasy performance. He led the industry in 2024 preseason Kicker Rankings and ranked second in preseason QB Rankings. He also ranked eighth in preseason IDP rankings.