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OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI - SEPTEMBER 13: Mike Washington Jr. #4 of the Arkansas Razorbacks carries the ball during the first half against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

Perhaps the most impactful rookie this season for the Las Vegas Raiders won’t be Fernando Mendoza, but running back Mike Washington Jr., who was selected in the fourth round.

Washington, who’s expected to be Ashton Jeanty’s wingman in the backfield, was arguably the top RB prospect behind Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price.

“Honestly, it’s about giving [Jeanty] respect and just being a sponge in that environment,” Washington said regarding his mindset going into his rookie season. “That’s my biggest strength, really, just being willing to learn from everybody around me. So I’d say that’s the main thing for me: Just taking it all in and showing respect while I do it.”

It’s the right mentality to have, and Raiders analysts have taken note of it. The message for Washington is clear; he’s expected to outperform expectations and become a focal point of the Raiders’ offense.

Raiders RB Mike Washington Jr. Receives Clear Message Before Rookie Season

Raiders digital team reporter Levi Edwards believes Washington will have a huge impact this season and writes more on why he’s jumping on the Mike Washington Jr. hype train.

“I personally don’t believe people understand how big of a get Mike Washington Jr. is as a fourth-round pick. He proved to be a top running back in college at each of his three stops, scoring at least eight rushing touchdowns while playing at Buffalo, New Mexico and Arkansas. His speed is the main attractor to his game, with the best 40-yard dash speed of any running back at the 2026 Combine, yet he still plays with a high level of physicality in between the tackles.”

It’s not just Edwards, either. ESPN’s Ryan McFadden listed Washington alongside Mendoza, second-round pick Treydan Stukes, and third-round pick Trey Zuhn III as rookies who could have an immediate impact in 2026.

“[Washington] is going to generate explosives for us and just another weapon that’s going to add to our offense,” Raiders vice president of player personnel Brandon Hunt said. “And Klint and [OC Andrew] Janocko are going to do a great job of utilizing them [to] help us score the football.”

Raiders Legend Eric Allen Dissects Washington’s Game Tape

Raiders legend Eric Allen dived into Washington’s game tape, and when listening to what he had to say, it sounds like when Darren McFadden came out of Arkansas (coincidence?).

“He does an amazing job of playing inside the guard,” Allen said. “Running through tackles, that shows that lower body strength that we need. …Just a great, what we call a downhill slasher. If you let him get four or five steps on you, you’re not going to catch him. About 6 foot 2, almost 200+ pounds running a 4.3 40 [yard dash], man, that’s business right there. No one wants to be in front of him.”

Allen went on to highlight Washington’s drive to finish forward for those extra yards.

“I love the fact here that he’s also a guy who has a little bit of wiggle to him, but you know he wants to finish forward, which is so important in the National Football League.”

Despite all the hype, Washington will still need to prove it on the field. However, he’s in the perfect position to outperform those high expectations floating above him.