Who is Mike Washington Jr.? Meet combine darling who sprinted his way into Raiders RB room as Day 3 pick originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The redesign of the Las Vegas Raiders' offense has not ended with Klink Kubiak and Fernando Mendoza.After adding offensive lineman Trey Zuhn III in the third round, the Raiders increased their backfield depth in the fourth by selecting former Arkansas star Mike Washington Jr.Behind Ashton Jeanty, Washington is set to bring plenty of speed to Las Vegas' offense — he ran the fastest 40 time of any running back at the 2026 combine.Here's what to know about the Raiders' new running back.2026 NFL DRAFT HQ:Live tracker | Pick-by-pick grades | Best players still availableWho is Mike Washington Jr.?Washington is a running back coming out of Arkansas in 2025, but with four more years experience between Buffalo and New Mexico State from 2021-24.
The 6-foot-2, 223-pound back doesn't just boast some size for his position — he also showcased the best pure speed of any running back at the 2026 NFL Combine.After posting his first 1,000-yard rushing season at Arkansas last year, Washington became an NFL Draft prospect. The New York native now heads to the Raiders after rising on draft boards in the draft process, set to be the direct backup to Jeanty.MORE: Tracking all Raiders 2026 NFL Draft picksMike Washington Jr. 40 timeWashington ran a blazing-fast 4.33 in the 40 at the 2026 combine — which was the best of any running back and among the best at the event.It also slotted him tied with Isaac Guerendo and Darren McFadden for sixth all-time among running backs in NFL Combine 40 times. 223-pound @RazorbackFB RB Mike Washington Jr. just took the lead among the RBs with a blistering 4.33u2026 NFL Combine on @nflnetworkStream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/CBsgRr8Qf0— NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2026MORE: Chargers select 2026 draft's fastest player in WR Brenen Thompson Why did Mike Washington Jr. cry after the NFL combine?Washington's 40 wasn't the only reason he became more well-known at the combine. In the moments after his sprint, he was seen on the sideline in tears.The running back had his hands over his face initially, then took them away to reveal tears streaming down his face, also getting some handshakes from other players.@RazorbackFB RB Mike Washington Jr. got emotional after running an incredible 4.33u. 🥲These guys work so hard for this moment. @StaceyDales2026 NFL Combine on @nflnetworkStream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/aF5KlGmL9L— NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2026Mike Washington Jr. college statsHere's a look at Washington's numbers over five college seasons.SeasonTeamCarriesRushing YardsYPCTDs2021Buffalo231325.712022Buffalo1506254.272023Buffalo903624.022024New Mexico State1577254.682025Arkansas1671,0706.48Career:—5872,9145.026NFL DRAFT RANKINGS 2026:QBs | WRs | TEs | EDGE | RBs