The Raiders selected Benson in the sixth round of the NFL Draft out of Oregon, and he will compete for a role in Las Vegas this season. Benson is not worth drafting in seasonal leagues, and he's a late-round flier at best in rookie-only drafts for Dynasty leagues. The good news for Benson is that he landed in the right place since the Raiders' receiving corps is weak on paper with Jalen Nailor, Tre Tucker and Jack Bech as the top three options. Benson could earn playing time and targets if he develops a rapport with Fernando Mendoza and Kirk Cousins early in the year. If that happens, then add Benson off the waiver wire. At Oregon in 2025, Benson had 43 catches for 719 yards and six touchdowns, and he ran a 4.37-second, 40-yard dash.
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Raiders' Malik Benson: Impressing early
Rotowire
Benson turned heads during the Raiders' mandatory minicamp, Levi Edwards of the team's official site reports.
Edwards identified Benson as one of the biggest standouts of the Raiders' offseason program, noting that the rookie connected with multiple quarterbacks on deep passes during practices open to the media. The sixth-round pick enters training camp in what Ryan McFadden of ESPN reports to be an open competition at wide receiver, and his speed and ability to stretch the field could help him carve out a role if he builds on that momentum. Tre Tucker, Jalen Nailor, Jack Bech and Dont'e Thornton represent Benson's main competition for snaps.
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Raiders' Malik Benson: Heads to Raiders
Rotowire
The Raiders selected Benson in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 195th overall.
Benson was well-traveled during his college career, beginning with two seasons of community college before making one-year stops at Alabama, Florida State and Oregon to round out his career. Benson did, at least, save his best season for last in Eugene in 2025, racking up 43 catches for 719 yards and six touchdowns, all career-best marks. He's a bit slender at 6-foot, 189 pounds, but the 23-year-old wideout ran among the better 40 times for wideouts with a 4.37 mark. Benson claims solid range and ball skills but needs work on his route running and to add muscle. Benson has some history as a return man for the Ducks and will likely need to contribute on special teams in Las Vegas.
