Central New York's Mike Washington Jr. Hears His Name Called by Las Vegas Raiders in 4th Round

A homegrown football star from Central New York just got the call every kid dreams about. Mike Washington Jr. heard his name at the 2026 NFL Draft when the Las Vegas Raiders selected him in the fourth round. This is the kind of moment that reminds you why high school football matters in the region.

From CNY to the NFL

Washington Jr. represents everything Syracuse.com covers year-round on the high school circuit. He's a product of Central New York football, and now he's heading to the professional level. The Raiders saw something in him worth a fourth-round investment, and that doesn't happen by accident. This kid put in the work, made the plays, and earned his shot at the next level.

What's Next for Washington

The draft is just the beginning. Training camp, preseason, and the grind of making an NFL roster await. Washington Jr. will be competing against the best players in the world, but he's already cleared the biggest hurdle: getting drafted. Now it's about proving he belongs in the pros and carving out a role with Las Vegas.

For Central New York sports fans, this is worth celebrating. Another local player making it to the NFL keeps the pipeline alive and shows the next generation that it's possible. Watch for Washington Jr. during the Raiders' 2026 season and see how he develops at the professional level.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.