The Kansas City Chiefs have an obvious need at running back, and every fan with a mock draft simulator is ready to hand them a running back in Round 1 or 2. However, if you look at what the Chiefs have done drafting the position since Clyde Edwards-Helaire (a seventh-round pick on Isiah Pacheco and a seventh-round pick on Brashard Smith), there are reasons to think they might wait longer to draft one than Chiefs Kingdom would like.
It feels highly likely the Chiefs address running back in free agency one way or another, whether it is a big-name free agent or a floor raiser. We’ll know much more about their draft approach after free agency. However, it’s worth mentioning that it won’t be hard to improve their talent at the position.
With Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs are never going to be a run-first offense. The Chiefs don’t need to take the ball out of Mahomes’ hands more; they just need the run game to be more effective to make the passing game better. With all the needs the roster has, the Chiefs might be best suited to hold off on running back until late Day 2 or early Day 3.
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Mike Washington | RB | 6-00 228 LBS
— Price Carter (@priceacarter) February 3, 2026
Powerful downhill runner with a dense frame, decisive in lanes, and surprisingly agile for his size. He accelerates quickly and can pull away in space. Upright runner some ball security questions.
Shades of: DeMarco Murray pic.twitter.com/uuX3juEOxR
NFL Draft Profile: Mike Washington Jr., Running Back, Arkansas
Height: 6-04 (verified)
Weight: 228 (verified)
Hand: 9.28 (verified)
Arm: 34.18 (verified)
Tape Exposure: LSU (2025), Texas A&M (2025), Mississippi State (2025)
Shades of: Demarco Murray
Mike Washington Jr.'s background
Washington Jr. attended Cicero–North Syracuse High School in Cicero, New York. He played both sides of the ball and wide receiver until eventually finding his footing as a running back. Rated as a two-star prospect by 247Sports, he committed to Buffalo, where he played three seasons. He entered the transfer portal in 2023 and committed to New Mexico State, where he had his best season yet and eventually helped him land at Arkansas for his final season. Washington finished his five-year college career with over 3,300 yards from scrimmage and 29 touchdowns.
Mike Washington's Strengths
Size/ Speed Combo
At 6-00 and 228 lbs, verified at the Senior Bowl, Washington moves at a different speed. He was clocked as the fastest player at the Senior Bowl at 21.21 MPH. He presents a rare combination of power and speed that few have in the class. His upright run style and long speed give off some Derrick Henry vibes.
Sweet Feet
Despite his size, he is nimble on his feet and patient. His jump cuts allow him time in the box to find rush lanes and hit the hole with his power. He hits the hole with decisiveness, too, which makes him a great power threat at the position. Great start/stop ability. Ranks in the 64th percentile in yards after contact.
Surprising Pass Profile
Despite his size, he ran lots of routes at Washington and can be seen making plays down the field as a pass catcher. He has 73 career receptions in college with soft hands.
Mike Washington's Weaknesses
Pass Protection
Very limited work as a pass protector, and what he did wasn’t encouraging. Allowed seven pressures in pass protection in 2025. Lots of waist bending and lunging, leading to unbalanced pass protection.
Ball Security
Ten career fumbles over his five years played, with seven fumbles in his final two seasons as well. Part of this might be due to his upright run style, which gives defenders a clearer shot at the ball.
Scheme Versatility
While he has a nice variety of zone and gap carries, he is best in gap. Some limitations in lateral agility make him not the best fit for a zone scheme, especially outside zone. Not able to attack the perimeter and get downhill like you’d like to see.
When does Mike Washington make sense?
As of writing this, we don’t know what the Chiefs did in free agency. Mike Washington feels like a great complementary back behind a Javonte Williams, Rice Dowdle, or a Tyler Allgeier. He brings a nice skill set to the table but might not be your unquestioned RB1. If the Chiefs choose to go with a higher-priced free agent, there might be better options on Day 3 to complement their skill set. Washington’s power makes him a great short-yardage back and early-down thumper.
Mike Washington is a powerful downhill runner with a dense frame, decisive in lanes, and surprisingly agile for his size. He accelerates quickly and can pull away in space. As an upright runner, he has some ball security questions and some lateral agility questions.
Round Grade: Day 3 (Grey Chip)