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The Las Vegas Raiders did not have adequate support at running back behind 2025 rookie Ashton Jeanty last season. In fact, their second-leading rusher was aging quarterback Geno Smith, who gained 109 yards. That clearly proves Jeanty was a one-man show.
Jeanty was a bellcow for the Raiders, understandably so given that they spent a top-six overall selection on his services. Heading into 2026, the Raiders would be wise to employ a better plan at backup running back. All indications are they possess that after drafting Mike Washington Jr. with a fourth-round selection.
Washington rushed for 1,070 yards and eight touchdowns at Arkansas last season. He ran the fastest 40-yard dash among all running backs at the NFL Combine with a logged time of 4.33 seconds. Many analysts felt Washington could be a second-round pick, so the Raiders got a potential steal at No. 122 overall.
New Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak employed a two-back system with the Seattle Seahawks last season. Up until the playoffs, he had a one-two punch of Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet. The Raiders aren't going to be a timeshare backfield, but Kubiak's history indicates he'll offer more opportunities to the backup than last year's staff did.
Washington is an exciting prospect who should thrive in a change-of-pace role behind Jeanty.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Mike Washington Jr. can be ideal Ashton Jeanty complement for Raiders
Continue reading...
Jeanty was a bellcow for the Raiders, understandably so given that they spent a top-six overall selection on his services. Heading into 2026, the Raiders would be wise to employ a better plan at backup running back. All indications are they possess that after drafting Mike Washington Jr. with a fourth-round selection.
Washington rushed for 1,070 yards and eight touchdowns at Arkansas last season. He ran the fastest 40-yard dash among all running backs at the NFL Combine with a logged time of 4.33 seconds. Many analysts felt Washington could be a second-round pick, so the Raiders got a potential steal at No. 122 overall.
New Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak employed a two-back system with the Seattle Seahawks last season. Up until the playoffs, he had a one-two punch of Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet. The Raiders aren't going to be a timeshare backfield, but Kubiak's history indicates he'll offer more opportunities to the backup than last year's staff did.
Washington is an exciting prospect who should thrive in a change-of-pace role behind Jeanty.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Mike Washington Jr. can be ideal Ashton Jeanty complement for Raiders
Continue reading...
