Seahawks’ Shocking 2026 Draft Move: What You MUST Know About Rising Star Mike Washington Jr.!

The countdown to the 2026 NFL Draft is on, and the Seattle Seahawks are making strategic moves to evaluate top college football talent. With the draft date of April 23rd approaching, the Seahawks are among three teams that will host one of the most electrifying running backs in this year's class, Mike Washington Jr. from Arkansas.

Seahawks Set to Host Mike Washington Jr.

Washington, who has recently showcased his skills at the NFL Scouting Combine, is in the midst of a busy pre-draft schedule. According to NFL.com’s Jordan Schultz, he has already completed a visit with the Atlanta Falcons and is set to meet with the Green Bay Packers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in addition to the Seahawks.

After a strong performance at the combine, Washington's draft stock is on the rise. He is now ranked as the third-best running back prospect according to ESPN analysts Field Yates and Matt Miller. With a projected selection in the second round, Washington is a name to watch as teams evaluate their needs leading up to the draft.

Why Washington is a Top Three Running Back

Several factors contribute to Washington’s status as a leading running back prospect. While he may not possess the most explosive first step, his top-end speed and impressive acceleration make him a challenging player to tackle. He is adept at maneuvering across the field and plays with an aggressive edge. However, he will need to refine certain aspects of his game, such as minimizing turnovers and enhancing his consistency in pass protection.

During his only season at Arkansas, Washington rushed for 1,070 yards and scored eight touchdowns on 167 carries. He also caught 28 passes for 226 yards and one touchdown. Over his entire college career, spanning five seasons and 51 games, Washington amassed a total of 2,914 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns on 587 attempts, alongside 73 receptions for 470 yards and three touchdowns.

Seahawks Trending Towards a Running Back like Washington

The Seahawks currently hold the 32nd overall pick in the first round and may consider trading back to accommodate a team with pressing needs. Although Seattle has few glaring positional gaps, running back is an area of concern, especially considering the uncertainty surrounding Zach Charbonnet, who is expected to miss significant time this season.

Bringing in a top rookie like Washington would be a substantial boost for the Seahawks while Charbonnet recovers. If the team addresses other needs—such as edge rusher, interior offensive line, or cornerback—with a traded second-round pick, Washington could still be available with their original 64th overall pick. Other running backs, like Jonah Coleman from Washington, could also be options, but Washington's rising stock makes him a tantalizing choice. His potential to make an immediate impact could even position him as a candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

As the Seahawks prepare for the draft, all eyes will be on Washington. His ability to significantly influence the team's performance next season could make him a pivotal addition to the roster.

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