NY Giants eyeing speedy mid-round running back from Arkansas in NFL Draft

The New York Giants’ offensive blueprint for 2026 is becoming crystal clear: they are going to run the football until the opposition breaks.

With the recent high-profile additions of six-time Pro Bowl fullback Pat Ricard and versatile tight end Isaiah Likely, Joe Schoen has spent the early part of free agency building a “heavy” offensive identity. However, the work isn’t done.

According to Tony Pauline (h/t Sleeper), the Giants sent scouts to the Arkansas Pro Day on Friday. They got a close-up look at Razorbacks breakout star Mike Washington Jr. For a team looking to add a home-run threat to complement Cam Skattebo, Washington’s elite speed and physical frame make him a tantalizing mid-round target.

A Combine Freak with SEC Production

Mike Washington Jr. isn’t just a “workout warrior,” though his numbers are certainly gaudy. After transferring from New Mexico State, Washington silenced the doubters by shredding SEC defenses for 1,070 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in 2025, averaging a staggering 6.4 yards per carry.

He followed up that production by lighting the NFL Scouting Combine on fire with a 4.33-second 40-yard dash—the fastest of any running back in the 2026 class. At 6’2″ and 225 pounds, Washington possesses a rare blend of speed and power; a profile that fits perfectly into the physicality-first culture Harbaugh is installing.

Moving from the C-USA to the SEC is a massive jump in competition, but Washington didn’t blink. He maintained his elite efficiency (6.4 YPC) against some of the most physical defensive fronts in the country. With back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, Washington proved he could handle the bellcow workload at the collegiate level. With 21 rushing touchdowns over the last two seasons, he used his 225-pound frame to punch the ball into the end zone.

The “Earth, Wind, and Fire” Triple Threat

By adding Washington to the fold, Joe Schoen wouldn’t just be adding depth; he’d be finalizing a modern-day “Earth, Wind, and Fire” backfield that mirrors the legendary 2008 Giants trio.

In this hierarchy, Cam Skattebo serves as the “Earth,” providing the punishing, downhill violence needed to wear out front sevens. Tyrone Tracy Jr. acts as the “Wind,” utilizing his elite receiver background to blow past defenders in space and create mismatches in the passing game. Washington would step in as the “Fire,” a high-octane explosive element capable of turning any touch into a 70-yard touchdown.

This three-headed monster would give the Giants an answer for every defensive look, ensuring that Jaxson Dart is never forced to carry the offense alone.

The “Pancake Pat” Factor

The Giants’ interest in Washington becomes even more logical when you look at the personnel they’ve already acquired. By making Pat Ricard the highest-paid fullback in the league, the Giants have committed to a system that utilizes a lead blocker to create lanes. Washington, a one-cut runner who specializes in exploding through vacant holes, is the ideal beneficiary of Ricard’s pancake blocks.

While Jeremiyah Love remains the “luxury” option at No. 5, drafting a player like Washington on Day 2 or early Day 3 would allow the Giants to address another one of their glaring needs in the first round, like offensive guard, while still landing a potential 1,000-yard back.

The Versatility Harbaugh Craves

Beyond his rushing totals, Washington began to unlock his potential as a receiver in 2025, hauling in 28 receptions for 226 yards. In an offense that will likely feature Isaiah Likely as a WR2 from the tight end spot, having a back who can contribute in the screen game and pass protection is vital for Jaxson Dart’s development.

Washington’s Pro Day performance—where he sat on his elite Combine numbers but excelled in positional drills—showed a player who is ready for the pro-style rigors of a Harbaugh-led system. If he is still on the board when the Giants’ mid-round picks come up, don’t be surprised if Schoen pulls the trigger on the most explosive runner in the draft.

By Anthony Rivardo

Anthony Rivardo is the COO of Empire Sports Media and the host of Fireside Giants, a New York Giants ... More about Anthony Rivardo