Risk Flags
5- Depth Chart Block
Ashton Jeanty is the unquestioned Raiders RB1 and will dominate volume in Kubiak's wide-zone run offense — a critical context gap in the system data. Washington's standalone weekly ceiling is severely limited; he profiles as a premium handcuff and early-down complement rather than an independent fantasy contributor.
- Fumble Risk
Washington has documented fumble issues across his college stops at Buffalo, New Mexico State, and Arkansas. Ball security is a known developmental area that could cost him carries and coaching trust early in his NFL career, potentially ceding the RB2 role to Roman Hemby or Dylan Laube in camp.
- Scheme Fit
Washington's pass protection is considered a developmental area, limiting his three-down viability in 2026. In Kubiak's play-action system, RBs who cannot protect reliably tend to exit on passing downs, capping his snap share in a way that pure carry counts won't reflect.
- Draft Capital
Mid-fourth-round capital (122 overall) signals a complementary/depth role rather than a future feature back; many expected him drafted higher, and the Vegas landing spot was widely viewed as a disappointing outcome.
- Backfield Competition
Beyond Jeanty, Washington must beat out Raheem Mostert, UDFA Roman Hemby (Indiana, 1,120 rushing yards in 2025), and Dylan Laube for the RB2 role. His draft capital and elite athleticism give him the edge, but Hemby in particular is a genuine challenger and shares a college connection with new QB Fernando Mendoza.