NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report for Arkansas RB Mike Washington Jr.

Damian ParsonDec 18, 2025

Mike Washington Jr. is a powerful, high-motor running back with elite top-end speed to generate explosive plays.

He is built like a throwback RB but plays with adequate agility at the line of scrimmage.

His career began as a 2-star recruit in the 2021 class with the Buffalo Bulls. Washington Jr. transferred to New Mexico State in 2024, then to Arkansas, where he emerged as the team's leading rusher in 2025, surpassing 1,000 yards for the first time in his career.

Dame Parson is the lead host of the Locked On NFL Draft podcast. He also serves as co-host of the Scouting Room NFL Podcast alongside Daniel Harms.

Highlights

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Where He Wins

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- Washington Jr. has a muscle-bound frame equipped to absorb the physicality that comes with playing running back.

- He has a downhill punishing running style. He runs with aggression and wants to impose his will on closing defenders in space. He runs behind his pad with a strong forward lean, then falls forward after contact.

- The Razorbacks' leading rusher hits open lanes with decisiveness and quickness to maximize the blocking from his offensive line. Getting downhill with momentum allows him to put pressure on the defense to match his physicality.

- Washington Jr.'s stop/start ability freezes defenders and will throw them off balance. He is surprisingly agile for his size. He deploys quick jump cuts at or behind the line of scrimmage to negotiate quick backfield penetration.

- He plays with good acceleration through rushing lanes and reaches top speed quickly. Washington Jr. can outrun defenders once he's in the open field.

Areas of Improvement

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- Washington Jr.'s physical play style has led to ball security issues. Over his career, he has ten fumbles. Prioritizing the protection of the football at the POA will be paramount to staying on the field.

- As a result of his muscle-bound frame, there is some rotational hip stiffness that limits sudden movement changes. Issues are running wide zone where he is expected to attack the perimeter and cut upfield with suddenness.

- His pass protection technique is unrefined. He plays with the necessary power in pass pro, but lacks the technique. Washington Jr. tends to bend at the waist and lunge forward to make contact. If he learns to shoot with his hands and anchor with balance, it will increase his argument for playing time.

- Arkansas's leading rusher is a functional receiver out of the backfield, but he does not have a wide route tree.