From Buffalo to New Mexico State to Arkansas, Mike Washington Jr. was relentless with his pursuit of improvement.

The standout running back kept finding roles with new teams and kept trying to prove himself. He especially did that when he rushed for over 1,000 yards during his last season with the Razorbacks.

Washington’s NFL Draft stock continued to rise, though, when he clocked a 4.33-second 40 time. That was in the top 10 among all players who ran the 40 at the NFL Combine. 

Washington’s speed and overall skill set makes him an interesting prospect in this draft class.

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Mike Washington NFL Draft Projection

I project Washington will be selected in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Jacksonville Jaguars would be a good fit.

Washington is a solid running back and is even ranked among the top five backs in this class by some. Unless you’re an incredible prospect like Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame, many of the top running backs have been going on Day 2.

Washington was always a good player, but I think his 40 time at the NFL Combine really solidified that for a lot of people.

Mike Washington’s 40 Time & NFL Combine Results

Washington ran the 40-yard dash in 4.33 seconds, which ranked first among running backs and ninth among all players who participated in that drill at the NFL Combine. He also recorded a broad jump of 10 feet, 8 inches and a vertical jump of 39 inches, which were second among RBs.

Washington was measured at 6 feet, 1 inch and 223 pounds at the NFL Combine.

Mike Washington Stats & Highlights

Washington was a solid player at two Group of Six schools before going to Arkansas. But he really emerged as a potential NFL running back with the Razorbacks. 

He began his collegiate career at Buffalo. He redshirted in 2021, rushing for 132 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries. The following year, he played in 13 games, starting two, and paced the Bulls with 625 yards and seven TDs on the ground to go with 135 yards and a TD on 23 catches. He started four games and played 11 his sophomore year, rushing for 362 yards and scoring two TDs on 90 rushing attempts while catching 13 passes for 35 yards.

He kept improving when he went to New Mexico State as a junior. He rushed for 713 yards while averaging 4.5 yards per carry and leading NMSU with eight scores on the ground. He chipped in 74 yards and a TD on nine receptions.

And in the final season of his collegiate career, Washington rushed for a career-high 1,070 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging 6.4 YPC and catching 28 passes for 226 yards and a score.

Where Is Mike Washington Jr. From?

Washington is from Utica, New York. He went to Cicero-North Syracuse High School in Cicero.

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How Old Is Mike Washington Jr?

He is 22 years old. 

Mike Washington Jr. NFL Draft Profile & Comparison

My NFL comparison for Mike Washington Jr. is D’Andre Swift of the Chicago Bears. This isn’t to say he’ll have the same career trajectory. But I think they’re both smooth runners with breakaway speed who can impact a game on the ground or through the air.

Washington possesses incredible speed. He proved it with his 40 time, but it’s clear on film. 

Washington was tied for 12th in the FBS in 2025 with 17 runs of 15-plus yards and 23rd with 30 runs of 10-plus yards.

But he’s much more than that. Among qualified running backs, Washington was top 40 in the country in Pro Football Focus’ grades for overall offense and rushing. He was also 21st for receiving. 

Washington is legitimately a great receiver out of the backfield. He’s at his best when he gets the ball around the perimeter in space. 

But he also isn’t afraid of contact and is capable of breaking through tackles at the line of scrimmage. He was 14th in the FBS with 3.86 yards after contact per attempt in 2025.

If Washington falls beyond the second round, I expect he’s going to be good value for an NFL team.