LAS VEGAS — Malik Benson runs a 4.33-second 40-yard dash. Kirk Cousins has never had a receiver who runs that fast.
The sixth-round pick out of Florida State has turned the Raiders’ training camp into a daily highlight reel. He is beating starting cornerbacks on go routes. He is making contested catches look routine. Coaches are using words like “special” and “different” when discussing him. That last part matters.
The Raiders drafted Benson with pick No. 189 in April. He was the 14th receiver selected. By the third day of camp, he was running with the first-team offense.
From Sixth-Round Pick to Training Camp Star
Benson’s college career spanned five seasons and three programs. He caught 67 passes for 1,089 yards and eight touchdowns at Florida State in 2025. Scouts questioned his route tree. They questioned his ability to beat press coverage. They did not question his speed.
That speed is now on display daily in Henderson, Nevada. Benson has beaten cornerback Jakorian Bennett deep three times in the last two practices. He caught a 45-yard touchdown from Cousins on Tuesday. The throw arrived one step before the safety could rotate over.
“I’ve never played with a guy who moves like that,” Cousins said after practice. “He’s making my job easier.”
The MVP Catalyst
Cousins finished seventh in MVP voting in 2024 with the Falcons. He threw for 4,471 yards and 28 touchdowns. His deep-ball completion rate was 34.2 percent, ranked 18th among qualified starters.
The problem was clear. Atlanta’s receivers averaged 1.2 yards of separation on deep targets. Benson’s average separation at Florida State last season was 2.8 yards.
| Metric | Cousins’ Previous Deep Threats | Malik Benson (2025 College) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Target Depth | 14.6 yards | 17.2 yards |
| Yards of Separation (Deep) | 1.2 yards | 2.8 yards |
| Contested Catch Rate | 41.3% | 57.1% |
| 40-Yard Dash | 4.48–4.55s | 4.33s |
Benson stretches safeties vertically. That opens the intermediate zone for tight end Fernando Mendoza and slot receiver Noah Brown. Defenses cannot bracket both levels simultaneously.
Practice footage from Tuesday shows the effect. On Benson’s 45-yard touchdown, safety Isaiah Pola-Mao bit on Mendoza’s crossing route underneath. Benson was one-on-one on the boundary. The result was a walk-in score.
Mendoza and the ‘Hungry’ Star
Fernando Mendoza caught 74 passes for 812 yards last season as a rookie. He has added 12 pounds of muscle this offseason. He is now 6-foot-5, 254 pounds. His chemistry with Benson is becoming a legitimate concern for opposing defensive coordinators.
“They’re both hungry,” offensive coordinator Chip Kelly said. “They compete against each other in practice. They push each other. It’s infectious.”
Mendoza echoed that sentiment. “Malik wants the ball every play. He runs every route like it’s fourth down. You feed off that.”
The duo has combined for 14 explosive plays (20-plus yards) in camp. That is the most of any NFL receiver tandem in available practice data.
Room for Growth
Benson’s early impact is real. His long-term ceiling depends on three areas.
He is inconsistent as a run blocker. He loses leverage against physical cornerbacks at the line. His route tree is limited to go, post, dig, and slant concepts.
Just Blog Baby’s Marcus Johnson noted this week that Benson “looks good but can get even better.” The analysis highlights his special teams value as a returner — he averaged 24.1 yards per kickoff return in college.
Projected statistical benchmarks by mid-season: 38 catches, 512 yards, 4 touchdowns. Those numbers would rank him third among Raiders receivers. They would also make him a top-40 fantasy option.
Raiders’ Offense 2026
The Raiders finished 19th in scoring last season. They averaged 21.3 points per game. Kelly’s scheme emphasizes vertical shots and play-action. Benson fits that system structurally.
The offensive line added two starters in free agency. Running back Zamir White is healthy after missing six games in 2025. The defense returns seven starters from a unit that ranked 12th in DVOA.
Benson’s presence changes the math. Opposing defenses must respect the deep ball. Cousins has a career 98.7 passer rating when throwing to receivers with 2.5-plus yards of separation. That number jumps to 112.4 when the throw travels 20-plus yards.
Oddsmakers have Cousins at +1800 for MVP. Those odds will shorten if Benson’s camp production translates to September.
The Secret Is Out
Benson is no longer a hidden gem. He is a featured attraction. The Raiders’ offense has a vertical element it lacked for three seasons. Cousins has a weapon he has never had.
Watch the Raiders’ Week 1 matchup against the Chargers. Watch how many times Benson runs past the safety. Watch how often Cousins looks his way on third down.
Fantasy managers should draft him in Round 8. The return on that investment could be enormous.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Who is Malik Benson?
- A: Malik Benson is a sixth-round pick (No. 189) from Florida State, drafted by the Raiders in April. He’s known for his 4.33-second 40-yard dash and has impressed in training camp with deep catches and contested grabs.
- Q: How can Malik Benson make Kirk Cousins an MVP candidate?
- A: Benson’s elite speed gives Cousins a true deep threat, which he lacked in Atlanta. His ability to beat corners on go routes and make contested catches could boost Cousins’ deep-ball completion rate and overall stats, making him a stronger MVP contender.
- Q: What has Malik Benson done in Raiders training camp?
- A: Benson has consistently beaten starting cornerbacks like Jakorian Bennett, caught a 45-yard touchdown from Cousins, and earned first-team reps by day three, with coaches praising him as ‘special’ and ‘different’.
Extended Reading
CBS Sports video analysis: “Malik Benson Emerging as Legit WR Option” documents his camp trajectory. Just Blog Baby’s Marcus Johnson provides the most balanced assessment of his early impact versus long-term upside. TalkSport’s report connects Benson’s arrival to Cousins’ MVP candidacy and Mendoza’s breakout potential.