Scouting Future Saints: Arkansas Razorbacks RB Mike Washington

Running back is a position that will have a new look for the New Orleans Saints in 2026 after the signing of Travis Etienne early into free agency. Veteran Alvin Kamara will still have a place in the offense, but Etienne will be the team's feature back. The Saints may not be done at the position either, possibly adding another weapon from a deep position in the 2026 NFL Draft. One name to watch is Mike Washington, an explosive back from the Arkansas Razorbacks rising fast up the draft boards.

Signing Etienne likely means that the Saints won't draft a back in the first round and significantly reduces the chance that they use a Day 2 pick on one. With Kamara turning 31 this offseason and entering his 10th year, however, New Orleans could be tempted to add another playmaker to their backfield. Washington, rocketing up draft boards, could offer such temptation.

Mike Washington bio

• Position: Running back
• College: Arkansas Razorbacks
• Height: 6-feet, 1 inch
• Weight: 223 pounds
• 40-yard dash: 4.33 seconds
• 10-yard split: 1.51 seconds
• Vertical jump: 39"
• Broad jump: 10'8"

Fairly lightly recruited out of Cicero-North Syracuse High School in upstate New York, Williams began his collegiate career with the in-state Buffalo Bulls. He'd redshirt his 2021 freshman year, but still had 132 yards and a score with 23 rushes. Williams led Buffalo with 625 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns in 2022, adding 23 receptions for 135 yards and another score. After just 362 yards on the ground in 2023, Williams transferred to the New Mexico State Lobos for the 2024 campaign.

In what would be his only year at New Mexico State, Williams led the Lobos with 8 rushing touchdowns and was second on the squad with 725 yards on the ground. For the 2025 season, Williams transferred to the Arkansas Razorbacks and ended his collegiate career with his strongest performance. He'd lead Arkansas with 1,070 rushing yards and 8 scores, adding 28 catches for 226 yards and an additional touchdown. That earned him 2nd Team All-SEC recognition, as he'd then put on an athletic show at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Strengths

• Imposing combination of size and speed
• Excellent change of direction agility
• Powers through tacklers at the second level
• Speed to beat defenders to the edge
• Home run threat as a runner and receiver on swing passes
• Shows the strength to push for extra yardage

Weaknesses

• Needs to improve ability to read and anticipate blocks
• Must hit holes between the tackles more decisively
• Pass protection must improve

Mike Washington 2026 draft outlook

After his performances in postseason workouts, Washington is one of the biggest risers up the draft boards this offseason. He is almost certainly a second day pick and has an outside chance of sneaking into the first round. After signing Etienne, the chances that the Saints use a first or even second round choice on Washington or any running back is extremely slim. However, they could be tempted to pull the trigger if Washington slips into the third round.

Etienne will be the featured back in New Orleans. With Kamara's future beyond 2026 uncertain, Miller's injury history, and Neal unproven, don't be surprised if the Saints add another back to their stable. Washington adds the kind of explosive and power combination to quickly make him a factor in an NFL offense.

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Arkansas Razorbacks RB Mike Washington scouting report