Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek stated that Head Coach Klint Kubiak was the primary advocate for drafting Arkansas running back Mike Washington Jr. in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. Spytek revealed Monday that Kubiak "stood on the table" for Washington, emphasizing that the rookie is a "perfect scheme fit" for the Raiders' offense.
To secure Washington, the Raiders traded picks No. 134 and No. 208 to Atlanta to move up to No. 122. Kubiak's conviction in Washington stems from his offensive system, which heavily incorporates outside zone concepts, decisive cuts, and the use of multiple running backs. This approach was evident during Kubiak's tenure as Seattle's offensive coordinator, where he utilized Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet as complementary starters to maintain a physical and varied rushing attack.
Washington's skillset aligns well with Kubiak's system. In his single season at Arkansas, he rushed for 1,070 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 6.4 yards per carry. His physical attributes, standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 223 pounds, combined with a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, make him a potent offensive weapon. His ability to press a zone run toward the edge, force defenders to commit laterally, and then accelerate through a crease is particularly suited to the one-cut nature of Kubiak's scheme. His size allows him to finish runs inside, while his speed poses a significant threat if defenders miss assignments in the second level.
Fellow rookie Ashton Jeanty offers a different but complementary style. Jeanty is described as a more compact and creative runner with exceptional contact balance, capable of manufacturing yards in congested situations. Washington, on the other hand, is larger and more linear, leveraging his speed to attack the edge and gain downhill momentum quickly. This distinction provides Kubiak with tactical flexibility, allowing him to attack defenses in varied ways without altering the core identity of the offense. Jeanty can excel in less conventional running plays, while Washington is poised to be particularly effective when the zone scheme creates open lanes.
Initially acquired as a potential complement to Jeanty, Washington has demonstrated readiness to contribute significantly. Through his first two preseason appearances, he recorded 119 yards on 15 carries, including a 53-yard run. The recent ankle injury sustained by Ashton Jeanty has further increased Washington's workload with the starting unit, providing him with valuable experience. Kubiak recently commended Washington's rapid assimilation of NFL protections, blitzes, and routes, stating the rookie has "grown up really fast." Spytek expressed strong confidence in Washington, indicating that the Raiders will "be counting on Washington to win games," a substantial expectation for a player selected at No. 122.