Malik Benson Continuing To Stand Out During Raiders' Training Camp

The rookie wide receiver has been a budding star during training camp.

Jun 3, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Malik Benson (19) runs a drill during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

So far, the Las Vegas Raiders have given their fans a lot to be excited about heading into the 2026 NFL season.

There have been several standout performances, but rookie wide receiver Malik Benson has been one of the most consistent players throughout training camp. While speaking with the media on Tuesday, Benson discussed his experiences with Kirk Cousins and his involvement with the first-team offense.

Benson's Thoughts

Jun 9, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running backs coach Omar Young (right) talks with receiver Malik Benson (19) during minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

• "If our route is at 12 yards, [Klint Kubiak] wants it at 12 yards," Benson said. "He doesn't want anything cut short or anything too deep. I feel like when you have a head coach that is focused on the little things, it's going to make the program, and everybody just wants to be really good."

• "Just for my confidence, I feel like it has been really good for me just to show myself that I can do it, but I'm really glad that the coaches and my teammates are giving me the opportunity; they're trusting me, and I'm able to show that I can be trusted," Benson said about his involvement with the first-team offense.

Overall Thoughts

Jun 9, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders receiver Malik Benson (19) carries the ball during minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

If there was one area on this roster that is a question mark heading into the upcoming season, it would be the wide receiver position. Jalen Nailor was the Raiders' top receiver acquisition this offseason and was the WR3 for the Minnesota Vikings over the last few seasons. Nailor joined a group of Tre Tucker, Jack Bech, and Dont'e Thornton Jr., who have all been in Las Vegas for one season.

Following free agency, the Raiders still had a glaring need at wide receiver, and while they didn't invest a top pick at the position, general manager John Spytek and the front office selected Benson in the sixth round of this year's draft.

Jun 9, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders receiver Jalen Nailor (9) during minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

At that point in the draft, most prospects are viewed as wild cards, but Benson has proven that he could be a consistent contributor in this offense. Las Vegas needs one or two wide receivers to step up alongside Brock Bowers, and Benson could be one of those guys.

The six-foot, 194-pound receiver has been utilized at all three levels of the field, and while he has been operating with the starting offense, Benson has also established chemistry with Fernando Mendoza.

Overall, Benson is making a significant impact every time he's on the field, and that consistency is why he is being featured with the starters. Don't be surprised if Benson makes plays throughout the season and establishes himself as a pivotal piece in the offense moving forward.