Why the Pick Makes Sense
The Las Vegas Raiders made a splash in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft by selecting Mike Washington Jr., a running back whose speed topped the combine charts. His 4.33‑second 40‑yard dash, 39‑inch vertical and 9.90 Relative Athletic Score placed him ahead of every other back in the class, signaling a rare blend of size and explosiveness.
At Arkansas he posted 1,070 rushing yards on 6.4 yards per carry, with nearly half of those gains coming on breakaway runs that highlighted his burst and elusiveness. Those college numbers, combined with his athletic testing, have drawn praise from analysts Jacob Infante and Ian Cummings, who see real value in a player who may still be raw but possesses clear upside.
Coach Klint Kubiak and the Raiders’ front office view Washington as a complement to Ashton Jeanty, the team’s unquestioned starter. Behind Jeanty, the depth chart includes Dylan Laube and undrafted rookie Roman Hemby, but Washington is being positioned as the primary backup and change‑of‑pace option.
While his pass‑protection technique and hand‑catching still need refinement, the organization believes the 122nd overall pick offers excellent value. The combination of elite athleticism, collegiate production and a favorable draft position creates a low‑risk, high‑reward scenario for the franchise.