The Las Vegas Raiders are entering a new era under head coach Klint Kubiak, and general manager John Spytek has been busy reshaping the roster to give the team a fresh start. After a tough 3-14 season, the Raiders are quietly undergoing a rebuild—even if the front office prefers terms like "retooling" or "reloading." There's no denying the work needed, but there's a refreshing change in the air: for the first time in a while, all three phases of the game—offense, defense, and special teams—are getting equal attention.

Enter Malik Benson, the Raiders' sixth-round pick (195th overall) in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Oregon wide receiver brings blazing speed to Las Vegas, having clocked a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. That kind of separation and quickness makes him a natural fit for Kubiak's offense as a deep threat. But where Benson could make his biggest early impact—and secure his spot on the 53-man roster—is on special teams.

The Raiders' return game has been a lingering issue, and Benson might just be the solution. At 6-foot and 189 pounds, the Kansas native has already shown he can flip the field. During his 2025 season at Oregon, he returned nine punts for 161 yards and a touchdown, including an electrifying 85-yard punt return for a score. Over his three-year college career (2023-2025), he totaled 10 punt returns for 164 yards and that one highlight-reel touchdown.

Special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis, who returned to the NFL after two seasons in South Carolina, will likely give Benson every chance to shine in the return game. With his speed and ability to create separation, Benson could bring a much-needed spark to a unit that's been searching for consistency. Whether he's catching passes from the Raiders' new offense or fielding punts, this late-round pick has the tools to make an immediate difference.