Mike Washington Jr. raising draft stock after Senior Bowl performance

Former Arkansas running back Mike Washington Jr. made one of the strongest statements of any player at the Senior Bowl, turning a week in Mobile into a potential launching pad up NFL draft boards.

Arkansas Football Knew the Value of Mike Washington Jr. All Along

Washington arrived at the event listed at 6'1 228 pounds during weigh-ins and immediately put any concerns about his athletic profile to rest. Throughout the week of practices, he consistently showed off the smoothness, burst, and overall athleticism scouts look for in a modern NFL running back, especially one with his size. By the end of the week, he had been “as advertised” and then some, according to multiple analysts in attendance.

That performance didn’t go unnoticed. Washington was a popular name on several "risers" lists coming out of the Senior Bowl, with many evaluators labeling him the top running back at the event. For a player who flew somewhat under the radar during the season, the validation was significant.

Washington’s journey to this point hasn’t been a straight line. Over the past five years, he transferred twice and played for three different programs, steadily developing along the way. He began his college career at the University at Buffalo, where he spent three seasons before moving to New Mexico State for a year. His final stop came with the Arkansas Razorbacks, where he quietly put together a very strong season despite the team’s 2–10 record.

While Arkansas struggled overall, the offense ranked among the better units in the country, and Washington was a major reason why. He rushed for 1,070 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging an impressive 6.4 yards per carry. The numbers back up the explosiveness that shows up on tape, decisive runs, burst through the hole, and the ability to finish through contact.

What may have helped Washington’s stock rise even more in Mobile was his performance in areas that had been questioned entering the week. He showed reliable hands as a pass catcher and impressed scouts with his pass protection during team drills, checking boxes that NFL teams value heavily when projecting a back’s role at the next level.

Washington capped off the week with a solid game performance, putting an exclamation point on an already strong showing. Now, his name is being mentioned far more frequently as a legitimate draft prospect, with momentum heading into the NFL Combine next month.

After years of growth, persistence, and steady improvement across multiple programs, Mike Washington Jr. is finally getting the attention he deserves, and if his Senior Bowl performance is any indication, his rise may just be getting started.