MikeWashington Jr.

News: 2 days agoRaiders coach Klint Kubiak said Tuesday that Washington has "done a great job of growing up real fast," Levi Edwards of the Raiders' official site reports.

Spin: Washington was selected by Las Vegas in the fourth round of April's NFL Draft and has already turned heads in the team's first two preseason games, rushing for 119 yards on 15 carries (7.9 YPC) while adding two catches on four targets for 18 yards. The rookie became a hot topic in the fantasy community this past weekend when Ashton Jeanty went down with an ankle injury during practice, though he's nursing a low-ankle sprain and isn't looking at a long-term absence. It appears Jeanty could be ready to face the Dolphins in Week 1, but if the 2025 first-round pick is held out of the regular-season opener, Washington would be the lead candidate to take over No. 1 RB duties for that contest.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Washington was selected by the Raiders in the fourth round of April's draft. He's a big back with terrific speed who lit up the combine with a 4.33 40-yard dash at 6-foot-1, 223 pounds (127 speed score), while also checking in with the longest arms in this rookie RB class. His collegiate efficiency wasn't very good during stops in Buffalo and New Mexico State, but it was better in 2025 -- his lone season at Arkansas -- as he averaged 6.41 yards per carry and 3.62 yards after contact, both of which rank seventh or better in this RB class. He might not be much of an option in the passing game, as his career 4.2 yards per target is the worst in this RB class, but his traits make him an intriguing prospect. Washington will open his career as a clear No. 2 option behind Ashton Jeanty, which makes him an intriguing end-of-bench insurance stash.