Malik Benson

Malik Benson News

Raiders Looking to Maximize Malik Benson's Abilities

Since landing with the Las Vegas Raiders as a sixth-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft, rookie wide receiver Malik Benson has drawn praise for his ability to stress a defense vertically. Benson made a number of deep catches throughout OTAs and minicamp, and he has continued to make plays during the team's first practices of training camp, already taking reps with the first-team offense. The Raiders have one of the more wide open receiver depth charts in the league, so anything Benson can do to stand out will help his chances not just to make the team but to become a meaningful contributor, and Raiders offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko wants to keep testing him while taking advantage of his 4.37 speed, telling reporters earlier in the week, "We're going to want to maximize what he does, how he comes off the ball, be able to challenge him mentally and do different things with him and just see him grasp the offense and take it from the meeting room to the field." Benson currently sits outside of RotoBaller's top 300 players for 2026, but if he can continue to earn meaningful reps in three-receiver sets alongside Jalen Nailor and Tre Tucker, he could become a usable piece in best ball formats.

Jul 31, 2026 7:00 AM EST

Malik Benson Stands Out During OTAs and Minicamp

Las Vegas Raiders rookie sixth-rounder Malik Benson made the most of his organized team activities and minicamp opportunities this offseason, according to Levi Edwards of the team's official website. Edwards writes that Benson "could be a sneaky addition" to the receiving corps in 2026. He caught a handful of deep passes from all of the Raiders quarterbacks during portions of practice open to the media this spring, and he's a young pass-catcher to watch when training camp rolls around at the end of July. In his final collegiate season last year with the University of Oregon, Benson stepped up with 43 receptions for 719 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games played for the Ducks. The Raiders have one of the most wide-open WR groups in the NFL with training camp approaching, giving Benson an opportunity to carve out a role behind the likes of Tre Tucker, Jalen Nailor, and Jack Bech. He'll likely be competing with Dont'e Thornton for the WR4 role in Vegas in his first year in the NFL. Right now, Benson is only a deep sleeper for fantasy managers in dynasty/keeper formats.

Jun 30, 2026 9:58 AM EST

Raiders Select Malik Benson with 195th Pick

The Las Vegas Raiders have selected Oregon wide receiver Malik Benson with the 195th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. A deep ball specialist, Benson had his most productive season as a senior for the Ducks after beginning in JUCO and making stops at Alabama and Florida State. His game lacks nuance, but he showcased his elite speed by running a 4.37 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, and he now lands with a team that has historically valued receivers who can play vertically. Benson joins a receiver room of Jalen Nailor, Tre Tucker, Jack Bech, and Dont'e Thornton Jr., all of whom are likely to slot in behind Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty in the target pecking order. Benson will likely need to find a special teams role to make the team out of camp, but he could eventually offer upside in best ball only leagues.

Apr 25, 2026 1:43 PM EST