The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who the Green Bay Packers could select in the 2026 NFL draft.
The Green Bay Packers’ rushing attack lacked an explosive element this past season. According to Pro Football Focus, Josh Jacobs recorded 10 runs of 15-plus yards and 24 runs of 10-plus yards.
Both of those marks put Jacobs in the middle of the road and it’s worth noting that Blake Corum, the backup running back for the Los Angeles Rams, was ahead of him in both categories. That’s not a knock on Jacobs. He’s one of the top running backs in the league. The Packers need to add a running back who has a second gear to pair with the former rushing champion.
A potential target in the 2026 NFL Draft is Mike Washington Jr. The Arkansas running back checks in at No. 20 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
A three-star recruit, Washington started his collegiate career at Buffalo. Before receiving a redshirt in 2021, he played in three games and rushed for 132 yards and one touchdown. The following season he rushed for 625 yard and seven touchdowns, while adding one receiving touchdown. In 2023, Washington rushed for 362 yards and two touchdowns.
Washington transferred to New Mexico State for the 2024 season and rushed for 725 yards and eight touchdowns. He added one receiving touchdown.
Washington transferred to Arkansas for the 2025 campaign and rushed for 1,070 yards and eight touchdowns. He added 28 receptions for 226 yards and one touchdown.
“The reason Arkansas was in a lot of games this season was largely its running offense, and Washington was clearly a big reason for that,” Anthony Kristensen, an Arkansas reporter for WholeHogSports.com, said. “He has some room to grow, but he has improved a ton in his ball security over the course of his career and that has made him all the more difficult to defend.”
Washington is a big (223 pounds) and explosive back (4.33 40-yard dash). His size and speed make him a nightmare for defenses. His 40-yard time was the fastest among running backs at the NFL Scouting Combine. According to PFF, Washington had 17 runs of 15-plus yards this past season and 30 runs of 10-plus yards.
He’s a true home run hitter. He keeps his body compact and feet underneath him to make quick decisions and sharp cuts. With his size and speed, second-level defenders can struggle to get him to the ground. His contact balance is strong at the second level, where he has a knack for picking up yards through contact and being able to shrug off hits. He also has the speed to destroy pursuit angles and outpace defenders.
“Washington’s explosiveness is the first thing you notice about him when he has the ball in his hands,” Kristensen said. “He is good at finding spaces and exploiting those for big gains. He has great speed, and I think he reads defenses well, which adds to his explosiveness.”
During his lone season at Arkansas, Washington posted career-highs in receptions and receiving yards. He looks natural catching passes and was tagged with one drop on 36 targets. He has a powerful frame to be forceful in pass protection.
“I think he showed that he is capable of playing in those kinds of situations,” Kristensen said. “He has good hands and, like he is when he is in the backfield, he is explosive when he gets the ball. He is not the go-to option in a passing offense but he is capable of being a weapon in the passing game.”
Fit with the Packers
With Jacobs on the roster, the Packers have their bell-cow running back. Add in Chris Brooks, and the Packers can feel comfortable going into the season with those two being the one-two punch.
MarShawn Lloyd, a former third-round pick, can’t be counted on until he can stay healthy for longer than 72 hours. Given Lloyd’s durability concerns, the Packers almost certainly will at least look to add a running back to the mix in the upcoming draft.
“We will certainly add competition to that room,” Brian Gutekunst said. “Whether it’s MarShawn as we get him healthy and get him going, Pierre Strong’s there…There’s guys that we really like…I’m sure there’ll be more competition to come.”
That competition could come in the form of one of the best running backs in the 2026 draft class. Washington would bring much-needed explosiveness to Green Bay’s rushing attack. His home run ability would be the perfect complement to Jacobs.
“Washington is a low-risk pick for a team that is looking for a running back for its rotation,” Kristensen said. “His ball security has improved over the course of his college career and he has, in my eyes, the adequate tools needed for a running back to stick in the league. He has the right combination of size, skill and explosiveness that teams are looking for in their running back room.”
If the Packers want to add Washington, they’ll likely have to draft him with the 84th overall pick. WIth much more pressing needs on the roster, will Gutekunst feel comfortable adding a running back that early?
Gutekunst has shown time after time during his career that he’s going to stay true to his board and not stray just to address a perceived need. There is also at least perceived interest, as the Arkansas running back had a 30 visit with the Packers.
Don’t be shocked if Washington is the pick in the third round for the Packers. The Arkansas running back checks the boxes with his size and speed. He’d bring a much-needed explosive element to Green Bay’s rushing attack.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Unpacking Future Packers: No. 20, Arkansas RB Mike Washington Jr
Reporting by Brennen Rupp, Packers Wire / Packers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
