On the third day of the NFL draft, it seemed that Klint Kubiak had his sights set on one particular player.
John Spytek, the general manager for the Raiders, shared on Monday that Kubiak was a key influencer in the team’s decision to draft Arkansas running back Mike Washington Jr. in the fourth round.
“Klint deserves a lot of credit for drafting Mike Washington,” Spytek noted, as reported by ESPN’s Ryan McFadden. “He was very passionate about that pick as Day 3 began, and it’s a perfect fit for our scheme.”
Backing up Kubiak’s strong recommendation, the Raiders made a move to ensure they got Washington. They traded picks No. 134 and No. 208 to Atlanta to rise up to No. 122 and secure him.
It’s not hard to see why Kubiak was interested.
After his stint as Seattle’s offensive coordinator, Kubiak brought with him a running style that emphasizes outside zone concepts, swift cuts, and utilizing multiple backs.
In Seattle, Kubiak opted not to rely solely on Kenneth Walker III as the primary back, addressing both him and Zach Charbonnet as “starters.” He aimed to maintain a varied and physical run game, avoiding the need for a single back to carry all the workload.
This approach aligns perfectly with Washington Jr.’s skill set.
During his time at Arkansas, he accumulated 1,070 rushing yards and scored eight touchdowns, averaging an impressive 6.4 yards per carry, which ranked him ninth nationally. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 223 pounds, he also clocked a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.
His playing style meshes well with Kubiak’s philosophy. Washington can effectively push a zone run to the outside, force defenders to move laterally, then plant his foot and burst through gaps. His size allows him to power through runs, while his speed can lead to big plays if defenders miss their assignments at the second level.
Washington and Ashton Jeanty don’t fit the traditional “thunder-and-lightning” mold. Both are capable of making explosive plays and running through tackles, yet their styles differ significantly.
Jeanty tends to be the more compact and inventive runner; he excels at maintaining balance in contact and can create yards in chaotic situations. Conversely, Washington Jr. is larger and more straightforward, using his impressive speed to challenge the edge and quickly penetrate through any opening.
This variance in styles gives Kubiak flexibility without altering the overall identity of the offense. Jeanty can maneuver in unconventional running scenarios, while Washington becomes especially dangerous when the zone system lays out a clear path.
Washington Jr. isn’t merely acting as Jeanty’s backup; he offers Kubiak another genuine avenue to exploit defenses. It’s reminiscent of how Kubiak utilized both Walker III and Charbonnet as complementary threats in Seattle.
Kubiak recently remarked that Washington Jr. has made great strides in adjusting to the NFL, especially in understanding protections, blitzes, and routes.
As time passes, Kubiak’s initial enthusiasm for the draft pick seems to be gaining relevance.
So far in the preseason, Washington Jr. has racked up 119 yards on just 15 carries, which includes a notable 53-yard run. Moreover, with Jeanty facing an ankle injury, Washington has been given crucial opportunities to work with the starters.
Kubiak praised the rookie’s rapid development: “He’s done a phenomenal job of learning quickly.”
Going further, Spytek mentioned the Raiders will be “counting on Washington to win games.”
That’s a significant expectation for someone picked at No. 122.
But perhaps Kubiak had strong reasons for advocating so fervently for him.
