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Silver And Black Pride fantasy football takes on Malik Benson
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Silver And Black Pride about Malik Benson.
29
Insights
18
Positive
2
Negative
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All Silver And Black Pride insights about Malik Benson
PositiveRoleAug 25, 2026
Benson has been turning heads in camp, wisely establishing chemistry with Mendoza and pushing Jack Bech for the third wide receiver role. However, the sixth-rounder has primarily worked with the second-team offense, only receiving significant snaps with the starters when Jalen Nailor was sidelined, giving Bech the upper hand. Benson will likely begin the campaign as WR4 and special-teamer, which represents good value in year one for a late Day 3 pick.PositiveDepth ChartAug 25, 2026
Sixth-round pick listed as likely safe for the Raiders roster despite two drops in the Houston preseason game; has had an otherwise strong summer and would need a really bad final preseason game Thursday to be in danger of not making the team.NegativeRoleAug 23, 2026
Late-round rookie Malik Benson (sixth round, 195th overall, 2026) opened eyes in the offseason with his speed, route running, and soft hands. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Oregon product is a burner getting plenty of work on both offense and special teams, piquing fan interest much like Thornton did as a rookie. However, Benson has shown inconsistency: he made a deep catch against Houston but also had bouts of drops. The source raises questions about his mental toughness and whether his confidence will sink or swim going forward, similar to Thornton's confidence decline.NegativeDepth ChartAug 21, 2026
Sixth-round pick had a disappointing performance that likely ended his hopes of beating out Jack Bech for the third wide receiver spot on the depth chart. Hauled in just one of five targets on the evening; had two failed catch attempts, including one where a pass was ripped out of his hands that should have been a completion. Both failures came on third downs, which is particularly damaging for a player competing for roster depth. Despite a strong training camp that suggested a bigger role than expected in year one, this performance significantly hurt his depth chart standing.NegativeDepth ChartAug 21, 2026
Oregon receiver Malik Benson was the Raiders' first receiver selection, taken with the 195th pick in the sixth round, indicating the team prioritized other positions earlier in the draft.NegativeRoleAug 21, 2026
Rookie Malik Benson has built good chemistry with Fernando Mendoza this summer, connecting on an 18-yard completion in the preseason game. However, Benson had two drops later in the quarter and will have to prove he can deliver in the regular season.NegativeDepth ChartAug 19, 2026
The source moves Malik Benson from a starting role to a backup wide receiver position in the updated 53-man roster prediction. Despite being demoted, Benson remains on the roster. He was one of only three receivers to record more than one catch against the Cardinals, but the source's evaluation of the wide receiver room suggests the starting spots went to Tucker, Nailor, and Bech instead.PositiveUsageAug 18, 2026
Benson was targeted on a deep curl route from the slot on a play-action pass where Mendoza saw the open window between two second-level defenders and delivered a tight-window throw with anticipation and velocity. The ball whizzed past the linebacker's ear and into Benson's hands for a first down. The source notes Benson could help the quarterback by taking another step or two toward the hash marks to create more space, but credits Mendoza's great understanding of defensive vulnerability and throw quality.PositiveBreakoutAug 18, 2026
Sixth-round pick Malik Benson is getting an opportunity to prove himself against an elite secondary in joint practices across one-on-ones, seven-on-seven, and full team periods. The source frames him as a potential 'diamond in the rough' if he can break free from elite defensive backs like Derek Stingley, Kamari Lassiter, and Jalen Pitre, positioning the joint practice as a key test of his training camp performance.PositiveBreakoutAug 17, 2026
Day three pick (sixth round) who has exceeded expectations in Raiders training camp and is competing for a starting spot or roster role on the offensive side of the ball. The source notes that if Benson breaks free from elite Texans cornerbacks Derek Stingley, Kamari Lassiter, and nickelback Jalen Pitre during joint practices, it would be a strong sign the Raiders found a diamond in the rough. Benson is known for his speed and will face free safety Calen Bullock, a 2025 Pro Bowler and emerging deep defender who allowed just 233 yards as a primary defender in coverage last season per PFF; any explosive plays against the first-team defense would be particularly notable.PositiveRoleAug 17, 2026
Sixth-round 2025 rookie receiver earning first-team reps during Raiders training camp, continuing his emergence as a potential contributor in the offense.PositiveRoleAug 15, 2026
Sixth-round pick (195th overall) in 2026 draft is impressing the coaching staff as a rookie riser with explosiveness and electricity on both offense and special teams. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Oregon product has the juice to make an impact as a punt returner, having housed one of nine returns last season for the Ducks (nine total for 161 yards and a score — an 85-yard scamper against USC). His timed speed of 4.37 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and smooth stride make his returns look effortless. Special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis noted Benson's playmaking ability, toughness, and willingness to put his head in there, though emphasized the need to prove he can catch NFL punts, which differ from college punts. Benson is mixing in on both kick and punt return duties at training camp and can also mix in on kickoffs to maximize roster potential.PositiveRoleAug 14, 2026
Rookie had nice connections with potential starter Jack Bech during Mendoza's second drive, contributing to the impressive offensive performance.PositiveRoleAug 13, 2026
Sixth-round WR is the second-biggest winner of Raiders training camp; has developed instant chemistry with rookie QB Fernando Mendoza on crossing routes, which are a staple of head coach Klint Kubiak's playbook; has potential to contribute from slot or out wide, with preseason debut against Cardinals as first public test of the duo's connection.NegativeRoleAug 12, 2026
Benson is making noise in training camp but must prove himself on Sundays. He will get reps with the second team and an opportunity to add to his resume. Getting paired with Mendoza will give a great look at both players, and proving himself against different competition will continue to free up playing time.PositiveRoleAug 12, 2026
Benson is a rookie starter at wide receiver for the Raiders in the 11 personnel package.PositiveSleeperAug 11, 2026
Sixth-round pick is competing for the third wide receiver spot against second-year pros Jack Bech and Dont'e Thornton Jr., who are early favorites but not far ahead on the depth chart. Benson fits Klint Kubiak's positional profile, sacrificing size for versatility to line up in slot or boundary with potential impact at every level of the passing game. Primary question is whether Kubiak wants a different skill set at WR3, given Benson shares similar traits with Tre Tucker and Jalen Nailor.PositiveRoleAug 11, 2026
Benson has been a rising star early in training camp, forming a strong connection with quarterback Fernando Mendoza and receiving first-team reps when Jalen Nailor was held out of practice, positioning him as a contender for the third wide receiver role in 11 personnel.PositiveRoleAug 8, 2026
Earned first-team reps during the 2-minute drill over Nailor, who had a drop earlier in practice. This suggests Benson is competing favorably for a receiving role in critical situations.NegativeRoleAug 8, 2026
Benson is one of the main contenders in an open return game competition alongside Jermod McCoy, Tre Tucker, and Dylan Laube per special teams coach Joe DeCamillis.PositiveBreakoutAug 8, 2026
Benson, a day three wide receiver pick, has been a standout during training camp and appears to be pushing for a starting spot. The source reports positive feedback from Benson in every practice so far, making him one of the top two pleasant surprises of camp. Additionally, special teams coach Joe DeCamillis has been evaluating Benson for special teams return duties.NegativeRoleAug 8, 2026
Rookie receiver Malik Benson was targeted by Kirk Cousins on a crossing route during the final team period on Friday, though the pass was tipped by Maxx Crosby and fell short of the intended target.PositiveUsageAug 7, 2026
Continues to shine during training camp practice, demonstrating consistent performance and development.PositiveBreakoutAug 5, 2026
2026 sixth-round rookie has turned heads early in Raiders training camp with strong chemistry developing with No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza, earning increased opportunities as camp progresses. Head coach Klint Kubiak noted Benson has had a 'good head start' and is 'playing good football,' though still has much to prove. Veteran teammates Tre Tucker and Jalen Nailor have praised his work ethic, coachability, and daily improvement, with Tucker noting 'he can run all day' and Nailor highlighting his mindset and willingness to ask the right questions. Benson is competing for the third wide receiver spot against underwhelming 2025 second-round pick Jack Bech and appears ahead of schedule with a chance to take on a bigger role than previously expected.NegativeRoleAug 4, 2026
Sixth-round pick generating new hype and could receive playing time in 2026, but the source characterizes him as a different player type than Bech, meaning his development would not fully address the Raiders' need for Bech to step up.NegativeRoleAug 3, 2026
Benson gained 6 pounds (189 to 195) during 2026 training camp, reaching the heaviest weight he has ever played at; the significant gain may signal a positional shift or role expansion.PositiveRoleJul 29, 2026
Benson was taken in the sixth round and is the only receiver John Spytek drafted this spring, giving him a significant advantage in the wide receiver room competition against undrafted rookies E.J. Williams, Chase Roberts, and Jonathan Brady for both offensive role and roster spot.NegativeRoleJul 22, 2026
The source identifies Benson's worst-case scenario as getting cut, noting it would be a bit of a surprise if he doesn't make the team, but the Raiders cut two sixth-round picks last year (Cam Miller and Tommy Mellott), though that was under a different coaching staff. The source notes it's not out of the question since Shedrick Jackson, E.J. Williams, and Chase Roberts will have big chips on their shoulders.PositiveRoleJul 22, 2026
The source projects Benson's best-case scenario as becoming the WR4, noting that since his skill set is similar to Tre Tucker's and Jalen Nailor's, it seems unlikely the rookie will earn a starting spot in camp barring an injury. The source states he likely has to bring something different to the table compared to Tucker and Nailor to beat out Jack Bech or whoever holds the third receiver spot, but could easily become the first receiver off the bench with a strong showing.