Being drafted into the NFL is only the first step for college stars making the jump to the league, especially for players drafted on Day 3. While early picks are almost guaranteed a place on the roster, the players picked later in the draft start auditioning instantly, making Training Camp and Preseason games very important.
After breaking out as a star at Hutchinson Community College, Malik Benson went to Alabama and then to Florida State, where he struggled to catch on. Benson spent his final season of college football with Oregon, and he truly broke out when the Ducks needed him most, catching 41 passes for 696 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Given how difficult the road was for Benson to finally break out, after the season he had, everyone hoped it would pay off, and he'd hear his name called at the NFL Draft. The season ended up panning out for Benson as the Las Vegas Raiders selected him in the 6th round, starting his journey toward making a roster.
Malik Benson continues to fly up the Raiders' depth chart
When Malik Benson was drafted to the Las Vegas Raiders it looked like a perfect landing spot for a young wide receiver. The Raiders drafting a quarterback in Fernando Mendoza gave Malik Benson a chance to start building chemistry from the start of Rookie Minicamp. Malik Benson has seized the chance each step of the way, and it's really panning out as of late.
This week as Malik Benson continues to climb up the depth chart, the rookie wide receiver is now taking reps with the First-Team offense.
Sounds like Malik Benson is getting rotational work with the Raiders 1st team at practice (along with Jack Bech)
— Zain Dhanani (@DhananiZain) August 17, 2026
Still live to earn a role
Tucker/Nailor clear top 2 but cannot rule anyone out of somehow supplanting either of those at some point this season
via @theleviedwards pic.twitter.com/AJktUZtQIE
In the Raiders joint practices against the Texans defense Malik Benson is continuing to make big plays down the field.
Droppin' a dime for the rookie 🪙#RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/8yXrZ910NB
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) August 19, 2026
It looks like Malik Benson is no longer battling to make a roster, but he's now battling to be a starter with the Raiders or at worst a solid rotational weapon for the team. The Raiders clearly got a steal taking Malik Benson on Day 3 of the NFL Draft, and he continues to ascend after some early career hurdles.
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