Yahoo Sports NFL on Malik Benson
From the article
rookies Hezekiah Masses and Malik Benson have to be at the top of the list. Both were day three picks but have been the talk of camp with how much they've exceeded expectations, setting themselves up to compete for starting spots or at least have a role on their respective sides of the ball.
STACKED’s take
Sixth-round Benson's camp breakout gets tested against Texans' elite secondary.
Rookie wide receiver Malik Benson (former Oregon wideout, sixth-round pick) is among the early training camp standouts for the Raiders, exceeding expectations and positioning himself to compete for a starting spot or significant role in the offense. However, the source cautions that his strong camp performance may be inflated by facing a weak Raiders defense and primarily practicing against the Raiders' own secondary. The upcoming joint practice against the Houston Texans will provide a critical test, as Benson will face an elite secondary featuring cornerbacks Derek Stingley (2024-2025 first-team All-Pro, 75.8 PFF coverage grade, 16.1 coverage snaps per reception allowed), Kamari Lassiter (2025 Pro Bowler, 72.9 PFF grade, 12 forced incompletions), nickelback Jalen Pitre (three-year, $39 million extension in 2025 offseason; 62.4 passer rating allowed in slot coverage, fourth-best in NFL), and free safety Calen Bullock (2025 Pro Bowler; 233 yards allowed as primary defender in coverage). Benson is known for his speed; if he can break free from this elite secondary, it will validate his camp hype and suggest the Raiders found a diamond in the rough with a sixth-round pick. Any explosive plays against the Texans' first-team defense will be particularly notable.
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