The third day of drills at the NFL Combine is underway, and today’s events feature the RBs, QBs, and WRs. These could be among the most exciting performances, and for years, we have seen record-breaking moments on this day. Although no records have been broken yet, one RB stood out for his speed.
Arkansas’ Mike Washington Jr. had the fastest 40-yard dash time among all RBs at the 2026 NFL Combine, and it drew comparisons.
NFL World Reacts to Mike Washington Jr.’s Excellent 40-Yard Dash
Like with all runs at the combine, the first number is unofficial, but for now, the NFL has Washington Jr. running a 4.33-second 40-yard dash. This run put him in first place, right in front of future top-10 pick Jeremiyah Love.
With this excellent run by Washington Jr., the NFL World had its reactions.
Houston Texans analyst account Houston Stressans declared that Washington Jr.’s draft stock may be on the rise.
They wrote on X, “Mike Washington Jr. about to leapfrog Jadarian Price as RB4 to RB3 for me. 6’1” 223 lbs Broad jump: 10’8″ Vertical jump: 39″ 40u: 4.33. Perfect style & size for Texans inside running. Stood out to me at the Senior Bowl for looking like a wr in pass game too. Only potential flaw is ball security.”
Fantasy football analyst Davis Mattek made an interesting comparison after Washington’s run. He wrote on X, “4.33 for Mike Washington at 223 pounds. This years Tuten it looks like”.
4.33 for Mike Washington at 223 pounds
This years Tuten it looks like pic.twitter.com/Jb0OUz4Xm2
— Davis Mattek (@DavisMattek) February 28, 2026
Beat reporter Zareh Kantzabedian explained Washington Jr.’s score after the run. He wrote, “Mike Washington’s speed score is 126.8. Elite 99th+ percentile. Burst Score = 130.3 (97th – 99th percentile).”
Mike Washington’s speed score is 126.8.
Elite 99th+ percentile.
Burst Score = 130.3 (97th – 99th percentile)
— Zareh Kantzabedian (@ZKantzFF) February 28, 2026
NFL insider Aaron Wilson revealed that Washington Jr. met with the Texans and gave some background on the RB.
He posted the 40-yard dash leadership board with the caption, “Fastest running back at #NFLCombine2026 Arkansas @RazorbackFB Mike Washington Jr. , with a 4.33 time. Washington who met with #Texans is a 6-2, 223-pound second-team All-Southeastern Conference selection @KPRC2.”
Fastest running back at #NFLCombine2026 Arkansas @RazorbackFB Mike Washington Jr. , with a 4.33 time. Washington who met with #Texans is a 6-2, 223-pound second-team All-Southeastern Conference selection @KPRC2 https://t.co/LrejENLbWN pic.twitter.com/leANeNDiSE
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 28, 2026
Official PFSN College X account laid out how Washington Jr.’s last 6 months have made him a standout RB prospect this year. “1,070 rushing yards (5th in SEC), 226 receiving yards (led SEC RBs), 2025 Second-Team All-SEC selection, 4.33 40-yard dash time. Watch out for him at the next level,” the post read.
Arkansas RB Mike Washington Jr. has put himself on the map in the last 6 months ⬇️
⭐️ 1,070 rushing yards (5th in SEC)
⭐️ 226 receiving yards (led SEC RBs)
⭐️ 2025 Second-Team All-SEC selection
⭐️ 4.33 40-yard dash timeWatch out for him at the next level 😈 pic.twitter.com/cHJkQpZXrK
— PFSN College (@PFSNcollege) February 28, 2026
NFL insider Josina Anderson explained a powerful moment of Washington Jr. after his impressive 40-yard dash performance, “Here is video of Mike Washington Jr getting super emotional after running the 40 in the quote tweet below and realizing he’s in the midst of manifesting a lifelong dream. Stacey Dales did a great job reporting on this.”
Here is video of Mike Washington Jr getting super emotional after running the 40 in the quote tweet below and realizing he’s in the midst of manifesting a lifelong dream. Stacey Dales did a great job reporting on this. pic.twitter.com/NqrsgaAiYF https://t.co/WyGavwSMAW
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) February 28, 2026
New England Patriots insider Alex Barth looks back on Washington Jr.’s impressive combine performance. Barth shared a video of the dash with the caption, “This after posting a 39-inch vertical and 10’8 broad jump. Both second at the position. Really explosive showing from Mike Washington. Projected early Day 3 pick.”
This after posting a 39-inch vertical and 10’8 broad jump. Both second at the position. Really explosive showing from Mike Washington. Projected early Day 3 pick. https://t.co/BZSmjfhDAH
— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) February 28, 2026
Clearly, Washington Jr. has impressed many people after his standout combine performance. In a weaker RB class, days like this could change everything for an RB prospect, and now, Washington Jr. could be drafted much higher.
