Raiders rookie malik benson is already taking first-team reps away from veterans

The Las Vegas Raiders are holding their 2026 training camp, and an unexpected player is making a significant impression on the coaching staff. Sixth-round draft pick Malik Benson, a wide receiver, has been receiving repetitions with the first-team offense. This development was confirmed by head coach Klint Kubiak on Sunday, August 16, 2026. Benson's elevation on the depth chart is not a result of injuries to other players but is based purely on his performance, with Kubiak explicitly stating that Benson has earned those opportunities. The rookie has been working with veteran starting quarterback Kirk Cousins, as well as building a connection with fellow rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza. This early integration into the starting unit is a strong signal that the team envisions a significant role for him, not just as a developmental project but as an immediate contributor.

Benson's journey to this point has been marked by constant movement and unrealized potential. His college career was a winding road that saw him attend four different schools. He began at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas, where he played for two years and emerged as the nation's top junior college prospect in 2023. This acclaim led him to the University of Alabama, a premier program, but his time there was unproductive; he managed only 13 receptions in 14 games. Seeking a better fit, he transferred to Florida State University for the 2024 season. After just one year with the Seminoles, he transferred again, concluding his college eligibility at the University of Oregon in 2025. Over his three years in the NCAA, his cumulative statistics were modest: 81 catches for 1,192 yards and eight touchdowns across 41 games. These are numbers that a top receiver might produce in a single standout season, not a full career, which explains why he was available in the sixth round of the NFL draft.

The reasons for Benson's quick ascent in the professional ranks, despite a lackluster college resume, appear to be tied to his raw talent finally aligning with opportunity and coaching. The Raiders' coaching staff is providing him with ample chances to prove himself, not only on offense but also on special teams, where he is fielding kickoffs and punts. This versatility significantly increases his value and chances of making the final roster. Coach Kubiak's comment that Benson must "stay humble and stay hungry" suggests that while the physical talent has always been evident, the mental and professional approach is what the team is now cultivating to ensure his early success is not a fleeting moment. The organization seems to be betting on their ability to unlock the potential that made him the number one junior college recruit, a potential that went dormant during his peripatetic and underperforming college career.

The consequences of Benson's early emergence are multifaceted. For the Raiders, it validates their scouting and player development process, potentially unearthing a late-round gem who can contribute on a cost-controlled rookie contract. It creates immediate competition in the wide receiver room, pushing other players for roster spots and playing time. For Benson, it represents a career rebirth and a chance to shed the label of a player whose production never matched his talent. His ability to quickly build a rapport with both the established starter and a fellow rookie quarterback demonstrates a professional maturity that may have been lacking in college. If he can translate these training camp reps into preseason and regular-season production, Malik Benson's story will become a notable example of a player who flourished in the NFL after a disappointing and transient college experience.