The Kansas City Chiefs continue to look far and wide for wide receiver help in this year’s draft.
Last week, longtime NFL Draft analyst Ryan Fowler revealed that the Chiefs would be hosting a virtual visit with Oregon wideout and return man Malik Benson. Fowler added that general manager Brett Veach, offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and new wide receivers coach Chad O’Shea would be on the call.
Background
Benson hails from Lansing, Kansas — just on the fringes of the Kansas City metro area. After finding no recruiting interest out of high school, he latched on at Hutchinson Community College.
He found much more interest coming out of junior college in 2023, and Benson signed with Alabama. After catching only 13 passes for 162 yards, however, he hit the portal again and headed to Florida State.
Benson’s role as a Seminole only moderately exceeded his action with the Crimson Tide, and he ended up at Oregon for 2025. His breakout finally came in his fifth college season, and he caught 43 passes for 719 yards and six touchdowns. Per Dane Brugler of The Athletic, Benson recorded only a single drop last season.
His 2025 action with the Ducks also previewed what will likely be Benson’s initial NFL role. He returned 9 punts for 161 yards while scoring a touchdown on special teams.
Benson’s speed was on full display earlier this offseason at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. While his vertical jump underwhelmed, measuring six feet tall may help him separate from similar fast receivers with slight builds. His slender frame, however, is a concern for any potential NFL role.
My analysis
If you watch any collection of Benson’s highlights, he stands out as a deep threat. He can get downfield, and his long speed shows with how far he can get in front of defenders.
When working vertically, Benson shows good sideline awareness on either side. However, multiple big catches from his breakout campaign would likely have been overturned on Sundays when he is required to get two feet in bounds.
Benson averaged 16.7 yards per reception in 2025, so there is little doubt about his ability as a situational deep threat. However, his heavy downfield use at Oregon leaves questions about his versatility to eventually become a starting NFL wide receiver.
Benson attended this year’s East-West Shrine Bowl and stood out against defenders on more intermediate routes. His highlights from Oregon, however, rarely show such usage.
Benson enters this draft largely unknown outside of the ability to go deep. He has teased yards-after-the-catch (YAC) ability, but was very pigeonholed into a vertical role at Oregon. Many of his catches either see him quickly run out of bounds to end the play or find the end zone.
Still, there is evidence that he can make good, fast decisions with open space in front of him.
Benson may never develop into more than a deep target, but he also proved to be a dangerous return man in Big 10 play. Whoever his new team is, Benson will likely enter camp as the clubhouse leader to punt returns. That should give him an early path to dressing for games and possibly seeing his usage grow.
Fit with the Chiefs
Fit: High (special teams), Low (offense)
Round Grade: Fifth round
Benson had a very late breakout, and he will turn 24 as a rookie. While his big-play potential is tantalizing, he is unlikely to become a significantly better pro than college player. After failing to catch on at two other blue blood programs, Benson likely benefited from Oregon’s efficient passing game that saw five receivers (who largely played very specific roles tailored to their skillsets) exceed 400 yards.
The Chiefs would certainly take more downfield plays, but the catches that made Benson exciting in college will be much harder to come by in the NFL. He looks the part of a “feast or famine” option in the passing game. Unless he has untapped potential on short and intermediate routes, Benson will only be an option on specific plays. His presence on the field might also tip off defenses to potential play designs.
Under head coach Andy Reid, Kansas City has valued the versatility to line up wide or in the slot and seamlessly change formation. Benson is probably not that player.
On the other hand, the Chiefs currently have five selections on Day 3 of the draft. One of the most instant-boost moves the front office can make late in the draft is to upgrade the return game. After a lackluster showing on punt returns in 2025, the Chiefs could use Benson’s juice on special teams.
It will not be surprising if Kansas City targets a speedy wideout like Benson on Day 3 (or even immediately after the draft). With the team facing major questions about the receiving game after 2026, however, an earlier investment in a better option for a future starter will be needed.
