Mike Washington Jr. Scouting Report

Mike Washington Jr. has a great blend of size, speed, vision, and instincts at the running back position, which projects him to be a very productive and impactful NFL running back.

Draft Grade: Round 2 - Winning Starter

Strengths:

Speed/Athleticism: Washington has high-end speed for a running back prospect, which shows up in the open field with his ability to separate from defenders and hit home runs. He also has the athleticism to hurdle defenders or make them miss in space, showcasing good overall balance and body control.

Vision: Washington sees the line of scrimmage well, finding vacant holes along the front. He also does a good job of setting up his blocks, running with patience, and executing.

Run Power: When needed, Washington can lower his pads and power through defenders. He runs with a violent temperament that makes him difficult to tackle and will also mix in a stiff arm to finish runs.

Lateral Agility: In the open field or in condensed spaces between the tackles, Washington showcases quick moves and lateral cuts to make defenders miss. His overall size, combined with his fluid movement and quickness, makes him an elusive player who is difficult for defenders to tackle one-on-one.

Concerns:

Pass Protection: Washington appears to be average in pass protection. This seems to stem not from a lack of effort, but from inconsistent technique. It is an area of his game that he will need to improve at the NFL level.

Impact as a Pass Catcher: Throughout his career, Washington has had a limited role as a pass catcher out of the backfield. He is a good overall athlete and should be capable of winning one-on-one matchups against second-level defenders. This is an area of his game that could be utilized more.