Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
If the New Orleans Saints decide against swinging big for Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love in the first round of the NFL Draft, they will still have several opportunities to address the position.
On Day Two, Love’s teammate Jadarian Price and Washington rusher Jonah Coleman are popular targets. However, following the NFL Scouting Combine, Arkansas running back Mike Washington Jr. put himself on the map with a stellar performance.
The Razorbacks runner put himself in conversation to go off the board in the second or third rounds and his unique blend of size and speed could be of interest for New Orleans, which is looking to reestablish success on the ground in 2026.
Arkansas Razorbacks RB Mike Washington Jr.
- Age: 22
- Height: 6-foot-1
- Weight: 223 pounds
- Arm length: 33 ⅝ inches
- Hand size: 9 ¼ inches
Combine Testing
- 40-yard dash: 4.33s
- Vertical: 39 inches
- Broad jump: 10-foot-8
- RAS: 10.00u
Washington is a compact runner in build, but blew scouts away in Indianapolis with his impressive speed, pacing the running back group with his 4.33 40. The tape backs up the blend, as well.
The Utica, N.Y., native runs through contact in the trenches and along the perimeter, while also possessing the acceleration and burst to win as an outside rusher.
His speed also makes him a threat in the passing game. As a one-cut style runner, Washington can get out in the flats as a receiver and take a pass for a big gain down the sideline when fed in space.
With his ability to win the corner and bowl through would-be tacklers, Washington could be a Day Two steal that would bring a new dynamic to New Orleans to join established backs Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, Devin Neal, Audric Estime and Evan Hull.
Washington also spent three years at Buffalo and a season with New Mexico State before finishing up his collegiate career with the Razorbacks.
2025 Stats
- Rushes: 167
- Rushing yards: 1,070
- Rushing TDs: 8
- Yards per carry: 6.41
- Receptions: 28
- Receiving yards: 226
- Touchdown catches: 1
Every once in a while, you find a player whose tape gets you so excited you start bending the data just to get even more excited.
This year, that guy for me is Mike Washington Jr.
6’2” | 223 lbs | RB | Arkansas
Let’s take a deeper look 🔍👇 pic.twitter.com/MMxSECQ7Ws
— Jonny Tooma (@FantasyPicasso) January 23, 2026
- Washington is a strong runner that can fight through contact. He earned 60.2% of his rushing yards after contact, averaging 3.86 a carry, per Pro Football Focus. Among backs with at least 150 carries in 2025, he ranks No. 6 in this year’s running back class in yards after contact per rush.
- His frame and power running style allow him to consistently get a final push downfield when tackled, maximizing yardage gained.
- Reliable as a target in the passing game. Registered just eight drops in his five-year college career. Had only one in 2025.
- Patient runner that allows the concept to develop ahead of him before attacking.
- Scheme versatile runner with a balanced experience of zone (354 carries) and gap (222) carries.
- Not a lot of wear and tear despite five years in college. Averaged just 132 touches per year.
- Will need to make strides as a pass blocker in order to earn more reps in a variety of situations.
- Has committed seven fumbles in the last two seasons.
- Sometimes his patience can get the best of him. There’s a thin line between being patient and being late.
The Bottom Line
If the Saints either miss out on Love early in the draft or simply choose to wait for another talented back, Washington should be in their sights. He was one of the Combine’s biggest winners and could have tested himself into an immediate rotational and impactful role in the league.
With more than 50 games of experience, a clean medical history and a noted reputation as a leader in his room, he checks a lot of the boxes that are important to New Orleans.
The Saints love experience, durability and leadership. But Washington’s best asset may be his impressive blend of bruiser build and breakaway gifts.
More New Orleans Saints
