Sometimes, a strong NFL Combine performance can make or break a mid-level prospect’s draft case. It’s not uncommon to see the player with the highest vertical jump, most bench press reps or fastest 40 time get a boost, moving up a round or two from his original projection.
There’s a chance Mike Washington Jr. did exactly that on Saturday when he posted the fastest 40-yard dash time of any running back, entering the all-time top 10 for the fastest 40 times at his position.
Moments after recording the fastest time of the day, Washington, who played at Arkansas in 2025, was seen in tears on a bench, reflecting on his position-best performance.
Here’s a look at Mike Washington Jr.’s 40 time and his emotional moment afterward.
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Mike Washington Jr. 40 time
Washington, who measured at 6-foot-1 and 223 pounds, posted an official 4.33 in the 40-yard dash. It was the fastest of any running back at the 2026 NFL Combine and tied for the fourth-best of the event so far.
223-pound @RazorbackFB RB Mike Washington Jr. just took the lead among the RBs with a blistering 4.33u
2026 NFL Combine on @nflnetworkStream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/CBsgRr8Qf0
— NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2026
Mike Washington Jr. gets emotional after 40
A few moments after the running backs’ 40-yard dashes concluded, NFL Network’s cameras cut to Washington on the sidelines, as he had officially led the position with his 4.33.
Washington had his hands over his face initially, then took them away to reveal tears streaming down his face, also getting some handshakes from other running backs.
.@RazorbackFB RB Mike Washington Jr. got emotional after running an incredible 4.33u. 🥲
These guys work so hard for this moment. @StaceyDales
2026 NFL Combine on @nflnetworkStream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/aF5KlGmL9L
— NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2026
Mike Washington Jr. draft projection
NFL Mock Draft Database, which compiles the average of mock drafts and big boards from around various media outlets, has Mike Washington Jr. listed as the No. 118 overall player in the 2026 NFL Draft and the No. 6 running back, trailing Jeremiyah Love, Jadarian Price, Jonah Coleman, Emmett Johnson and Nick Singleton.
That would put Washington on pace to be taken in the fourth round. In his NFL Combine profile, Washington was given a grade of 6.18, which is in the “good backup with the potential to develop into starter” range, while analyst Lance Zierlein wrote that he “has breakaway speed in the open field and is capable as an inside/outside runner” and can be “a solid rotational back.”
Fastest RB 40 times in NFL history
Washington broke the top-10 for the fastest 40 times by a running back at the combine, tying Isaac Guerendo and Darren McFadden as the sixth-highest mark ever at the position.
Here’s a look at where Washington now ranks on the all-time running backs list:
| Rank | Player | College | Year | Time |
| 1 | Chris Johnson | East Carolina | 2008 | 4.24 |
| 2 | Dri Archer | Kent State | 2014 | 4.26 |
| 3 | Keith Marshall | Georgia | 2016 | 4.31 |
| 4 | De’Von Achane | Texas A&M | 2023 | 4.32 |
| Bhayshul Tuten | Virginia Tech | 2025 | 4.32 | |
| 6. | Isaac Guerendo | Louisville | 2024 | 4.33 |
| Darren McFadden | Arkansas | 2008 | 4.33 | |
| Mike Washington Jr. | Arkansas | 2026 | 4.33 | |
| 9. | Onterio McCalebb | Auburn | 2013 | 4.34 |
| 10. | Jahvid Best | California | 2010 | 4.35 |
