The Las Vegas Raiders knew exactly what they were doing when they selected Mike Washington Jr. in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. And if you think this pick was just about adding depth, think again—star running back Ashton Jeanty is about to get the help he desperately needs.
Washington isn't just another rookie; he has the makings of one of the best running backs in this year's class. With a rare blend of size, speed, and power, he's the perfect complement to Jeanty. Together, they could form the next elite NFL duo—a thunder-and-lightning combination that defensive coordinators will dread.
Let's be honest: Jeanty needed a partner. Not because he underperformed—far from it. As a rookie on the league's lowest-ranked offense, he still nearly cracked 1,000 rushing yards. He ranked seventh in total carries with 266 but only 18th in total rushing yards, a stat that screams "no help." Incredibly, 780 of his 975 yards came after contact, and he led the NFL with 43 broken tackles. That kind of production with minimal support is remarkable.
But the workload was heavy. Jeanty logged 750 carries in three years at Boise State and over 1,000 in four years overall. The Raiders know they can't keep pounding him like that. Enter Washington, who understands his role perfectly.
"I mean, I'm super excited to get rolling with him," Washington told reporters. "All I could think of was thunder and lightning. So, super excited to be the one-two punch with him. And to really, as I said before, be a sponge and learn from him also at the same time."
Jeanty may be shorter than your typical feature back, but he makes up for it with elite strength and the best contact balance in the league. He's also a weapon in the passing game. What the Raiders needed was a back who brings something different—size, raw speed, and a downhill style that Jeanty doesn't always offer.
Washington checks every box. At 6'1" and 223 pounds with 33-inch arms, he's a physical presence. And he runs a blistering 4.33 40-yard dash. While he may not have Jeanty's elusive cut-back ability or sheer tackle-breaking power, he brings a bruising, explosive element that will keep defenses honest and Jeanty fresh.
The Raiders didn't just draft a backup. They drafted a partner. And in a league where running back tandems win championships, this one could be special.