Raiders roster 2026: What if Malik Benson is good as a rookie?

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 28: Malik Benson #WO06 of Oregon participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images

There is a lot of excitement about Las Vegas Raiders’ sixth-round pick, wide receiver Malik Benson.

He has big speed and many scouts believe the Oregon product is ready to make an impact in the NFL.

So, what if Benson truly is ready?

The Raiders will likely keep five or six wide receivers on the 53-man roster. Let’s roll with six at the position for this exercise.

They also have new-agent additions Jalen Nailor and Dareke Young, holdovers Tre Tucker, Jack Bech, Dont’e Thornton, Shedrick Jackson and Phillip Dorsett in addition to some undrafted rookies. They could always add a veteran, although general manager John Spytek has expressed confidence in this group.

Nailor, Tucker and Bech will be at the top of this group. If Benson can got the point to be in the top four rotation it would be huge, especially if Bech being unproven and Nailor taking on a bigger role than what he was being used at in Minnesota.

Young played under new Las Vegas coach Klint Kubiak in Seattle and is a key special teamer. He will make the roster. That leaves Thornton and Jackson being the leaders for the sixth roster spot.

If Benson is ready, Thornton could be a loser here.

But in the end, if Benson is ready, it will be big boost for this offense.

Remember, though, it’s not easy for late-round picks to make an immediate impact, especially at a position like wide receiver. Of course, Thornton was the flavor of the month last year and he struggled during the season. So, let’s not count on Benson being ready to contribute right away. If he does, though, it would be a huge boost for the Raiders.

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