Mike Washington

Washington is one of the most notable size-speed specimens to ever step into the NFL, as the 6-foot-1, 223-pound runner logged a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. The issue is that it's not obvious whether he has much else going for him as a running back prospect. Washington most recently played for Arkansas in 2025, but before that he spent one year at New Mexico State and three years at Buffalo. In those first four years Washington averaged only 4.39 yards per carry -- plainly below NFL-caliber production, especially for the level of competition -- and by the end of his Buffalo career he had been benched for non-prospect Ron Cook. He was also outplayed at New Mexico State by seventh-round pick rookie Seth McGowan. Outrageously fast and strong as he might be, Washington's poor production implies some number of hitches, be it related to movement or processing, or both. Dubious as Washington's rushing production was in college, his pass-catching production was much worse, catching just 73 receptions for 470 yards and three touchdowns on 117 targets (62.3-percent catch rate, 4.0 YPT). Throw in Washington's fumbling issues (11 in the last two years) and it sure seems like Washington needs a lot of polish before he'll be a viable NFL back. Undrafted fellow rookie Roman Hemby was the better player in college and might be more polished in the meantime, if only for the short term. Read Past Outlooks