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The newest 3-round NFL mock draft from ESPN predicted the Seattle Seahawks to land Arkansas running back Mike Washington Jr.
General manager John Schneider and head coach Mike Macdonald have stressed how much they love the running backs on the Seattle Seahawks roster since Kenneth Walker’s departure. In the latest draft news and rumors, that has logically rule out the Seahawks as a top running back suitor in the 2026 NFL Draft.
But grabbing a running back later on Day 2 still makes a lot of sense for the Seahawks.
In the newest 2026 NFL mock draft released from ESPN on Thursday, Seattle landed Arkansas’s Mike Washington Jr. during the third round.
“After Kenneth Walker III signed with Kansas City, Seattle’s running back need can be addressed by Washington,” wrote ESPN’s Field Yates. “He rushed for over 1,000 yards during his lone season at Arkansas and smashed the combine.”
Washington led all running backs in the 40-yard dash at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. That was particularly impressive after ESPN’s Adam Schefter called the 2026 class “the fastest running back group in Combine history.”
This year’s official running back times at the Combine – the fastest running back group in Combine history.
The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman included Washington on his combine “freaks list” in February.
Washington didn’t just test well in the 40-yard dash. The Arkansas running back recorded a 39-inch vertical jump and 10-foot-8-inch broad jump.
Standing at 6-foot-1 and 223 pounds, Washington also has size to go with his agility.
“He has breakaway speed in the open field and is capable as an inside/outside runner,” wrote NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein. “Running to his size with a greater degree of aggressiveness will be the key as he makes the jump.
“Washington has the traits and talent to become a solid rotational back.”
Seahawks Projected to Draft Arkansas RB Mike Washington Jr.
GettyThe newest 3-round NFL mock draft from ESPN predicted the Seattle Seahawks to land Arkansas running back Mike Washington Jr.
The Seahawks already have seven running backs on their offseason roster. Veteran Najee Harris is also a candidate to join the Seahawks after he visited the team in March.
With that in mind, another rotational running back might not really move the needle much. The Seahawks also really like what they have as potential Walker replacements.
On the other hand, Day 2 running backs can also often make an immediate impact in the league. Someone such as Washington could vault close to the top of Seattle’s running back depth chart, giving the team more quality depth.
In ESPN’s latest mock, the Seahawks focused on other needs in the first two rounds. Then, they grabbed Washington to pair with free agent breakout candidate Emanuel Wilson and Zach Charbonnet once he returns from his knee injury.
Washington ran for 2,914 yards while playing for three different schools in college. At Arkansas during 2025, he rushed for 1,070 yards with eight touchdowns. Washington also caught 28 passes for 226 yards and another score.
In addition to Wilson and Charbonnet, the Seahawks have running backs George Holani, Kenny McIntosh, Cam Akers, Velus Jones Jr. and Jacardia Wright on their roster.
Seattle Addresses Defense First in ESPN’s New 2026 NFL Mock Draft
GettyESPN predicted the Seattle Seahawks to drafted Oklahoma’s R Mason Thomas at No. 32 overall.
The Seahawks lost a couple pieces from their Super Bowl-winning defense in NFL free agency. ESPN projected Seattle to fill those voids first before nabbing Washington at No. 96 overall.
In the first round of the mock draft, ESPN predicted the Seahawks to pick Oklahoma edge rusher R Mason Thomas at No. 32.
“Seattle’s defense reminds us of the importance of waves of pass rushers. Thomas is relentless and can really bend the edge around tackles,” wrote Yates.
Then at No. 64 overall in the second round, ESPN slotted Miami cornerback Keionte Scott to Seattle.
“Coach Mike Macdonald is a master at maximizing a defensive back’s strengths. He would easily tap into Scott’s versatile playmaking, which led to 5.0 sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles in 2025,” added Yates.
Thomas registered 17 sacks and 25.5 tackles for loss in 42 games at Oklahoma. His best statistical season was 2024 when he had nine sacks with 12.5 tackles for loss.
In 2025, Scott had five pass defenses with two interceptions along with 13 tackles for loss and five sacks.
Those two prospects would help the Seahawks replace cornerback Riq Woolen and edge rusher Boye Mafe. Woolen joined the Philadelphia Eagles while Mafe signed with the Cincinnati Bengals this offseason.
Dave Holcomb is a sports reporter covering the NFL and MLB for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions. Originally from Pittsburgh, Holcomb has covered college and professional sports for outlets including FanSided, Rotowire and Yardbarker. More about Dave Holcomb
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