Ross Douglas knows what it takes for a wide receiver to make it in the NFL.
And Douglas has no doubt his former wide receiver at Oregon, Malik Benson, has what it takes to succeed at the next level.
“There’s no doubt,” Douglas told Silver and Black Pride in a telephone interview. “His professionalism really showed last season. He knows how to take advantage of opportunities He showed up (in 2025) as a fourth or fifth receiver and just kept earning the trust of the coaching staff and the quarterback.
He just got better and better as the season wore on. I wish I had more than one season with him, but the Raiders are getting a player whose best football is ahead of his and he will have a great attitude.”
The Raiders took Benson in the sixth round of the draft and there has been a lot of buzz that he can carve out a role for himself early in his career.
Douglas, who has two seasons of NFL experience as the New England Patriots’ wide receiver coach, said he believes Benson has all the traits of being a successful NFL player.
“He runs well and has has good ball skills, anytime a player has those skills it will translate well to the NFL,” Douglas said. “He has a great attitude as well. He’ll be one of the first guys in the building and one of the last to leave. His best football is ahead of him. He has good habits of a pro and I think he’ll play for a long time.”
Douglas said he was “surprised” that Benson lasted until the sixth round and he believes the Silver and Black got a steal.
“I understand the business and the nature of the draft,” Douglas said. “Some other guys may have had more consistent production through their careers … But based on my experience with him and his tape from last season, I thought he’d be taken higher … But I think he’s in a great spot to have success in the league.”
