Nick Caserio, Houston Texans
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Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio speaks to the media during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
Heading into the 2026 draft, the Houston Texans are making no bones about their desire to improve their running game this offseason after it fell into the bottom third of the league in 2025.
That was due to a combination of factors, including the offensive line and a new coordinator.
However, there was a clear lack of consistency from the personnel, and the Texans cannot reasonably expect to take the strides they hope to by simply running it back with the game group next season, adding context to their latest interest in Mike Washington Jr.
Texans Show Interest in Razorbacks RB
Mike Washington Jr., Houston Texans
GettyMike Washington Jr. #4 of the Arkansas Razorbacks runs the ball against Preston Clendenin #13 of the Alabama A&M Bulldogs.
The Texans ranked 22nd in rushing last season amid the campaign-long absence of two-time Pro Bowler Joe Mixon due to an injury. Texans general manager Nick Caserio said they will add to their backfield, meaning Washington could absolutely be a draft target.
“Arkansas @RazorbackFB running back Mike Washington Jr., a 6-foot-2, 223-pound All-Southeastern Conference second-team selection and 1,000-yard rusher, among #Texans formal meetings at #nflcombine2026 per a league source,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported on X on February 26.
Despite his lengthy college tenure, Washington’s lack of a prominent role means he has plenty of tread left on the tires. He rushed for 1,070 yards and 8 touchdowns on 167 touches in 2025.
Washington has a 420-1,844-18 line in his other four seasons combined.
Most of that was from his 2024 campaign, when he had 725 yards on 157 attempts, but also crossed the goal line eight times. The 2023 profiles as a fine complement to slighter-built backs and recent draft picks Woody Marks and Jawhar Jordan.
“Where that player comes from — free agency can be one mechanism, draft can be another mechanism, is there a trade market for somebody out there,” Caserio said about the Texans adding another running back to the mix, per The Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander on February 25. “That’s kind of where we are today.”
Mike Washington Jr. Has Shown Consistent Improvement
Mike Washington Jr., Houston Texans
GettyMike Washington Jr. #4 of the Arkansas Razorbacks carries the ball against the Mississippi Rebels.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote in his profile that the tailback “showed improvement with each move to a new school. He’s fast with loose hips and adequate agility. He’s not very sudden in tight quarters and is a step slow to see it and go when the hole opens. He can glide and swerve around interior traffic once he’s on the move, though.
“Has breakaway speed in the open field and is capable as an inside/outside runner. Running to his size with a greater degree of aggressiveness will be the key as he makes the jump. Washington has the traits and talent to become a solid rotational back.”
Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema echoed that there is more to Washington’s game, calling him a “power back, but one with added traits,” which could appeal to the Texans.
His “explosiveness and straight-line speed stand out.”
“He clocked over 20 mph seven times in 2025. That speed translates into strong speed-to-power conversion on contact, resulting in solid yards-after-contact production over the past two seasons,” Sikkema wrote on February 25.
“While his larger frame limits some fluidity and flexibility in space, he does show quick feet for short cuts and hops between the tackles in man- and gap-scheme concepts. Combined with above-average vision for blocking angles and open lanes, that makes him an intriguing early-down option.”
Texans Must Improve Ground Game
Nick Caserio, Houston Texans
GettyHouston Texans general manager Nick Caserio looks on before a game against the Chicago Bears.
There are still some flaws in Washington’s game, like with all prospects, some of which are more costly than others.
That is particularly true for the Texans, who dealt with injuries and ineffectiveness in 2025.
“Washington has the frame for pass protection but has been inconsistent in that area, and his receiving production has been limited throughout his career,” Sikkema wrote. “Ball security is also a concern after seven fumbles from 2024 to 2025.”
Still, improving the running game–be it with Washington or some other way–is one key way the Texans can take pressure off Stroud and the passing game, as well as their standout defense.