Mike Washington Jr. Draft Grade | Round 4, Pick 22 | FanVerdicts

A+

Top 3%Pick Grade

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Position

RB · Discount Position

Decision Grade reflects market consensus at the moment of the pick. Teams often have private information the consensus does not.

Scouting Report

Big Board Rank: #66 · Day 2 Value

Mike Washington Jr. emerged as Arkansas's featured back in 2024 after serving as a rotational player his first two seasons. The Fayetteville native possesses an intriguing blend of size, vision, and receiving ability that has NFL scouts intrigued despite inconsistent production. Washington's best trait is his natural hands and route-running from the backfield, projecting as an immediate third-down contributor. However, questions persist about his top-end speed and ability to create explosive plays between the tackles. His patient running style and excellent pass protection make him a coach's favorite, but his relatively low career yards-per-carry average (4.3) raises concerns about his ceiling as a primary ball carrier at the next level.

Strengths

+Exceptional hands out of the backfield with only 3 drops on 89 career targets, showing natural catching ability on swing passes, checkdowns, and seam routes.

+Advanced route-running skills for a running back, running crisp option routes and showing the ability to sit in zones and find soft spots in coverage.

+Outstanding pass protection instincts and technique, rarely missing assignments and showing proper hand placement and leverage against blitzers.

+Patient runner with excellent vision who allows blocks to develop and consistently finds the designed hole rather than bouncing runs outside prematurely.

+Reliable ball security with only 4 fumbles in 487 career carries, demonstrating proper ball-handling fundamentals in traffic and contact situations.

+High football IQ and pre-snap recognition skills, often identifying blitz packages and making appropriate hot route adjustments with quarterbacks.

+Versatile alignment ability, lining up in the slot, out wide, and in traditional backfield positions while maintaining effectiveness in each role.

+Strong lower body and contact balance allow him to consistently fall forward and gain extra yards after initial contact, rarely going down on first hit.

+Effective short-yardage and goal-line runner who understands proper pad level and shows good leg drive in power situations.

+Natural leadership qualities and high character, serving as a team captain and earning praise from coaches for work ethic and preparation habits.

+Solid acceleration and burst through the hole, showing the ability to hit gaps quickly once he identifies the running lane.

NFL Comparison: James White

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Mike Washington Jr.

Pick Context

Scouting Report

Strengths

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