Arkansas standout sends Jaguars a strong message with blazing NFL Combine outing

The Jacksonville Jaguars could lose Travis Etienne in free agency. They would sure want to keep him around, but their dire cap situation could make it extremely challenging. The good news is that the Jags have a capable in-house replacement in second-year running back Bhayshul Tuten.

But even if the former Virginia Tech Hokie delivers, Jacksonville will need to add reinforcements at running back. Fortunately, this year's draft will have no shortage of talent at the position. One in particular should be on the team's radar following an impressive outing at the NFL Scouting Combine.

The Jaguars must keep tabs on Mike Washington after his blazing 40-yard rush

Mike Washington had one of the most impressive performances in the scouting combine, running the 40-yard dash in 4.33 seconds. He himself was in shock and disbelief, breaking down in tears after he found out the result.

But despite his stunning 40-yard time, Washington is seen as a mid-round pick in spite of his speed and bruising running style. Some of that has to do with the fact that he isn't a great pass catcher out of the backfield. On top of that, his pass-protection needs improvement. Nevertheless, he would be an intriguing choice for Jacksonville to consider in Round 3.

Washington is coming off a strong outing at the Reese's Senior Bowl. He originally landed at New Mexico as a two-star recruit before landing at Arkansas in 2025.

With the Razorbacks, Washington showed the ability to carry the workload, posting the first 1,000 yards of his collegiate career. In Jacksonville, he could be the perfect backfield complement to Bhayshul Tuten.

Mike Washington gives the Jaguars an intriguing RB option in the draft

Even though Travis Etienne wants to stay in Duval, he may want to test free agency and get the best possible payday. That may not be possible with the Jaguars, as they're $15.9 million over the cap. If the 2021 first-round pick does leave, general manager James Gladstone will be tasked with finding his replacement.

Free agency will offer several options, but most of them could exceed Jacksonville's budget. That makes the draft the best route to fortify the running back position. The Jags are reportedly leaning toward going heavy on defense on Day 2. That said, they have the ammo to bolster the depth at several key positions on offense, including running back.

The front office could use any of their three selections in Round 3 to target Mike Washington, but even if he's gone by the time they're on the clock, or they want to address other positions, they should still have other alternatives on Day 3.

Aside from Washington, Wake Forest's Demond Clairborne or Pitt's Desmond Reid could be worth a flyer on Day 3 of the round. Either way, the Jaguars will have options to strengthen their running back backfield next season.

Would it hurt to see Travis Etienne bolt for a team such as the Kansas City Chiefs or the dreaded rival Houston Texans? You bet, but Mike Washington is one of many enticing prospects in this year's draft that could help the Jaguars bolster their running game in 2026.