Overview
- The Raiders entered the offseason without a major receiver signing or an early draft pick at wideout, leaving the position group thin and increasing attention on any internal solutions.
- Las Vegas used a sixth‑round pick on Malik Benson (195th overall) from Oregon and he has drawn notice in rookie minicamp, OTAs and mandatory minicamp for getting behind secondaries in practice.
- Benson’s measurable profile supports the buzz: a 4.37 40‑yard dash at the NFL Combine and 716 receiving yards with six touchdowns for Oregon last season, plus college punt‑return production.
- Coaches have given Benson second‑team offensive reps and work on punt/kick return units, and teammates have praised his speed and effort, but reporters stress he remains a developmental option.
- The next tests are padded training camp and preseason games because live contact and game reps will determine whether Benson can translate practice gains into consistent NFL snaps and relieve pressure on Kirk Cousins and the offense.