Ashton Jeanty’s knee injury at Sunday’s practice is a brutal blow for the Raiders. But that setback might have kicked open the door for a fourth-round rookie we all need to start paying attention to: Mike Washington Jr. This kid, picked 122nd overall, is set to back up Jeanty, and if he gets opportunities, the rest of the league is going to wonder how they let him slip that far.
This Rookie Is Already Playing Like a Top Back
Let’s talk about what this kid has shown already. Standing at a solid 6-foot-1 and 223 pounds, Washington is no small dude. Through two preseason contests, he’s already racked up 119 yards on just 15 carries. Want a highlight? How about that 33-yard breakaway run against Arizona? That’s the kind of burst that makes defensive coordinators sweat.
But it’s not just the raw numbers. This guy is making noise where it counts. Among all running backs in the preseason, Washington is first in rushing grade, clocking in at an insane 90.3. And get this: he’s also first in rushing yards after contact with 106. Think about that for a second. A fourth-round rookie is leading the league in getting those tough yards and breaking tackles. The Raiders already have a core offensive trio with Heisman-winning QB Fernando Mendoza, top-10 RB Ashton Jeanty, and Brock Bowers, picked 13th overall the year prior. Now they might have a hidden gem in Washington.
He Can Do It All, From College to the Pros
This isn’t just a preseason flash in the pan. Washington’s collegiate career shows he’s got the chops. From 2021-2023, he tallied 1,119 yards and 10 touchdowns. After transferring to New Mexico State, he kept it up, carrying the ball 157 times for 725 yards and 8 scores. His final collegiate season was his best, blowing past 1,000 yards and grabbing 8 touchdowns, plus career highs with 28 receptions for 226 yards.
That kind of versatility is huge. He’s proven he can do it all out of the backfield, catching passes and making plays. And with that big body, he’s got the frame to serve in pass protection, which is absolutely critical for any back hoping for significant snaps in the NFL. His early NFL tape? It’s shining, no doubt.
Jeanty’s injury is a setback, but it might just accelerate Washington’s arrival. Even when Jeanty is back, he won’t play 100% of the snaps. If Washington keeps proving he can protect the quarterback, he’s going to get those carries. This rookie may not be a household name yet, but he is shaping up to be a serious sleeper pick who is going to surprise a lot of doubters. Get ready to hear his name a lot more.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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