The Kansas City Chiefs have an excellent opportunity to reset their running back room this offseason. Outside of Patrick Mahomes, no Chiefs other than Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco rushed for more than 160 yards in 2025. Both running backs hit free agency in a few weeks, opening the door for Kansas City to select replacements in the 2026 NFL draft.
The Chiefs spent a premier draft pick on Clyde Edwards-Helaire several years ago and still live with the regret of that move. With only three top 100 selections in 2026, Kansas City can’t afford to use a top pick on a low-value position. However, several prospects with fourth or fifth round grades, including Arkansas Razorbacks running back Mike Washington Jr., offer intriguing options.
Mike Washington Jr | RB | ARK
Big, long striding runner that builds up speed on a downhill track. Good footwork & lateral jump cuts at the LoS allow him to get reset his gap & get uphill asap. Physical through contact at LoS or open field.
Functional receiver that gets upfield pic.twitter.com/jUqARSb5zb
— Matt Lane (@Matty_KCSN) January 12, 2026
Washington is a high-IQ runner who displays the patience to press close to his blockers and let gaps develop. Despite being 6’2″, 223 lbs., Washington uses agile footwork to execute sharp cuts and navigate through crowded boxes. He slips through narrow gaps before suddenly accelerating to erase pursuit angles. His size pairs well with Brashard Smith’s explosiveness.
Washington doesn’t quite play to his size. His contact balance and motor help him drive through tackle attempts and earn extra yards, but his power against loaded boxes is average. However, Washington willingly drops his pad level to challenge defenders in the hole and grind out tough yardage. He needs to break the first tackle attempt more often.
Washington possesses rare agility and acceleration for a running back with his frame. He uses sharp jump cuts to survey and exchange gaps or to make defenders miss tackle attempts in confined spaces. Washington’s sudden acceleration helps him blast through crowded spaces and put linebackers in trail. Safeties that take steep angles to Washington find themselves taken out of plays.
Washington needs to tighten his ball security. He fumbled seven times over the past two seasons. His size limits his change of direction and elusiveness in space. Washington’s acceleration pops, but he lacks the speed to outrun defenders to the end zone on long runs. He is one of the least consistent running backs in pass protection in the 2026 class and makes minimal contributions in the passing game.
No Chiefs running back has rushed for 1,000 or more yards since Hunt’s rookie year in 2017. That season stands as the lone 1,000-yard campaign by a Chiefs running back in the past decade. It’s time for Kansas City to break that miserable streak.
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: 2026 NFL draft report: Arkansas Razorbacks RB Mike Washington Jr.
