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NFLFeature
RB Mike Washington Jr. forms thunder and lightening with Ashton Jeanty
TL;DR
RB Mike Washington Jr. has been drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders to team up with Ashton Jeanty, forming a dynamic duo for the upcoming NFL season. Washington Jr. had a standout season at Arkansas, finishing with 1,066 yards and eight touchdowns.
Key points
- Mike Washington Jr. drafted by Las Vegas Raiders
- Washington finished last season with 1,066 yards and eight touchdowns
- He will team up with Ashton Jeanty for the upcoming NFL season
- Washington Jr. impressed at the Senior Bowl
- The duo is expected to enhance the Raiders' run game
Mike Washington Jr.Ashton JeantyLas Vegas RaidersArkansas
Jan 28, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; American Team running back Mike Washington Jr. (27) of Arkansas runs the ball during American Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images | Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
The Las Vegas finished with 10 picks in the 2026 NFL draft and spent one on a backup to Ashton Jeanty. That player is running back Mike Washington Jr out of Arkansas, who had an excellent draft season, rising him up the boards.
Washington finished last season with 1066 yards and eight touchdowns in his first year in the SEC. Attempting to carry a struggling Arkansas team, Washington Jr. made a name for himself at the Senior Bowl, displaying potential to be a third-down back.
He will now form a duo with 2025 first-round pick Ashton Jeanty. Jeanty played the majority of the snaps last season but Klint Kubiak is looking a tandem to help push the run game over the top. Washington Jr. is ready for the challenge and sees himself and Jeanty as thunder and lightning.
“I mean, I’m super excited to get rolling with him. All I could think of is thunder and
lightning. So, super excited to be the one-two punch with him. And to really, like Isaid before, be a sponge
and learn from him also at the same time.”
Washington Jr. 4.3 speed makes a great compliment to Ashton Jeanty, which will help create explosive plays in the run game. Kubiak’s running games have been among the best in the league at achieving runs of 15 yards or more. He can feel comfortable keeping that train moving with Washington Jr. in the building.
Q&A
What were Mike Washington Jr.'s stats in his last season at Arkansas?
Mike Washington Jr. finished his last season at Arkansas with 1,066 yards and eight touchdowns.
How did Mike Washington Jr. perform at the Senior Bowl?
Mike Washington Jr. showcased his potential at the Senior Bowl, which helped elevate his draft stock.
What is the significance of the thunder and lightning duo in the NFL?
The thunder and lightning duo refers to a running back tandem where one player is a power runner and the other is a speedster, enhancing the team's run game.