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Saints complement for Travis Etienne in NFL Draft is painfully obvious

Should the Saints add Mike Washington Jr. in the draft?
ByDrew Collings|
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Nov 1, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Mike Washington Jr (4) rushes for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Bulldogs won 38-35. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
Nov 1, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Mike Washington Jr (4) rushes for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Bulldogs won 38-35. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images | Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

Arkansas running back Mike Washington Jr. has established himself as a premier mid-round option for the New Orleans Saints with his elite testing numbers, explosiveness, and power. The Saints already made a splash at running back, signing former Jacksonville Jaguar Travis Etienne Jr. to a four year, $52 million deal, but that shouldn’t sway them from adding another contributor. Washington would be a fantastic pairing with Etienne and form a dynamic tandem for the foreseeable future.

The Saints would have a busy backfield if they add Washington. He would join Etienne, Alvin Kamara, Devin Neal, and Kendre Miller. Regardless of this, they shouldn’t be afraid to invest significant draft capital in the position. The room was plagued by injuries in 2025 and can’t be relied upon to stay healthy.

Washington had a relatively quiet start to the pre-draft process, but burst onto the national scene at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine where he ran a blazing 4.33 40-yard dash at six-foot-one, 223 pounds. This ability paired with his vision and power make him an enticing option for the Saints.

Mike Washington Jr. is a well-rounded prospect who would instantly elevate the Saints offense

As previously mentioned, Washington is a rare blend of size and speed. His frame and natural power allows him to run through arm tackles, while his burst makes him a constant home-run threat. Additionally, Washington has fantastic vision, which helps him survey his blocks to find an opening. Once he sees a gap, he uses his rapid acceleration to fly through the lane. 

While Washington’s an elite prospect, he has fumble concerns (10 in his career), still needs to develop as a pass blocker, and doesn’t have an expansive route tree. Luckily for the Saints, each of these traits are fixable with the proper coaching.

Overall, Mike Washington Jr. is an intriguing day-two option for the Saints and would form an explosive duo with Travis Etienne Jr. His elite speed, frame, and vision make him a desirable prospect who could be an instant contributor.

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