Arkansas RB Washington, Jr.’s potential team fits | 2026 NFL Draft preview
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Former Razorbacks running back Mike Washington, Jr. finished second in the SEC in yards per carry (6.4) last season.
Former Arkansas running back Mike Washington, Jr.’s circuitous road to success may continue in the 2026 NFL Draft. First, the Utica, New York native made his way to the University at Buffalo, just 200 miles down the road. He did so after earning All-State honors as a two-way standout at Cicero-North Syracuse High School.
One of Washington, Jr.’s breakout games in the MAC came against Bowling Green as a redshirt freshman. His 92-yard rushing score tied former Bulls back James Starks for the second-longest in school history. Starks -a key figure in the Green Bay Packers Super Bowl XLV title- played seven years in the NFL.
Potential fits
Like Starks, immediate success for Washington, Jr. may revolve around opportunity. Due to Zach Charbonnet’s injury, could Seattle become a potential landing spot? As a matter of fact, Washington, Jr. had his second-best collegiate season playing on the West Coast as a New Mexico State Aggie (725 yard rushing, 8 TDs).
With that said, two teams to keep an eye on are the Jacksonville Jaguars and Carolina Panthers. The Jaguars currently have Bhayshul Tuten (5’9, 209) as its starting running back. Second-year man LeQuint Allen (6’0, 201) did impress as a kickoff returner (25.7 yds/KR) in Year One. The addition of Chris Rodriguez, Jr. (6’0, 224) in free agency, however, could indicate the team is looking to get bigger at the position. Interestingly, Jacksonville has the 81st, 88th and 100th overall picks in the third round of this year’s draft.
Just two picks later, the Panthers have the 83rd overall pick (third round). After losing Rico Dowdle in free agency, the team may look to find a significant complement to Chuba Hubbard. Washington, Jr. is a player in the mold of Panthers 2026 free agent addition AJ Dillon.
Washington, Jr. has to prove he can contribute on special teams (one career tackle) and improve in pass protection. Concurrently, ball security has been an issue (see Memphis ’25) for the former Razorback. He demonstrates soft hands catching the ball out of the backfield.
Find out the rest of our analysis on the second-team All-SEC runner’s strengths and weaknesses in our video film review.
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