The Raiders’ backfield is taking shape around a clear idea under Klint Kubiak: lean into the run, spread the workload, and make the group more than just one player carrying the load.
That’s where rookie Mike Washington Jr. comes in. The fourth-round pick was added as a complement to Ashton Jeanty, the No. 6 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, and Washington Jr. talked Tuesday about how Kubiak’s scheme can bring more out of the running backs.
Kubiak already showed that kind of structure in his lone season as the Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator, when Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet formed a two-headed backfield. The Raiders are taking a similar approach, even after spending premium draft capital on Jeanty. The idea is simple: give Jeanty help, keep him fresh over a 17-game season, and use different backs for different jobs.
Washington Jr. fits that plan because he brings size and production. At Arkansas last season, the 6-foot-2, 228-pound back logged 167 carries for 1,070 yards and eight touchdowns.
He also added 28 catches for 226 yards and one score. That kind of versatility gives Las Vegas another option in a run game the team wants to matter again after being a non-factor in 2025.
The Raiders have also poured money and draft resources into the offensive line, a sign they want to protect the quarterback and stay on schedule with a stronger ground attack. Washington Jr. looks built to be part of that push, giving Kubiak another physical piece as he tries to shape a more complete offense.
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That matters because Las Vegas is still trying to settle the picture up front, where several linemen are being evaluated for starting jobs. Kolton Miller remains a key part of the equation despite some durability concerns, but the bigger question is how the Raiders map out the rest of the tackle spot as Kubiaks system takes hold and the competition starts to sharpen. [Read more 🡒]