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Assessing Malik Benson's performance at the 2026 NFL Combine
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- Assessing Malik Benson's performance at the 2026 NFL Combine
One could argue that when Dakorien Moore went down with an injury and was out for the rest of the season, it was Malik Benson who stepped up and became Oregon's WR1 for the rest of the way, and he was great in the role.
Benson led the team with 719 receiving yards on 43 catches and six touchdowns. Although it was a blow to have Moore go down, it gave Benson a chance to shine and ultimately show what he could do on the next level. He showed that not only could he be a deep threat, but his speed makes him dangerous in the short game, where he can break a tackle and be off to the races.
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According to NFL.com writer Lance Zierlein, going to Oregon might have been the best thing for Benson after two so-so seasons at Alabama and Florida State .
"Benson, formerly the No. 1 JUCO prospect, made his mark with Oregon in 2025 after less productive stints at Alabama (2023) and Florida State (2024). He combines electric, track-caliber speed with above-average ball skills to create a real deep threat on every snap," Zierlein said. "He needs to diversify his releases and his route-running won't impress, but his speed forces open easy hitches/slants underneath. He has a plus catch radius and rare toughness for a speed demon. He's unflinching working into the middle. Benson can turn slants and over routes into long scores against certain looks but isn't a natural on manufactured touches."
Measurables
Jan 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Malik Benson (4) juggles oranges as the “The Duck” celebrates following the 2025 Orange Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Height: 6-feet
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Weight: 189 pounds
Hand Size: 8 5/8"
Arm Length: 31 7/8"
40-Yard Dash
Time: 4.37 seconds
Rank at Position: 4th of 16 players
Speed kills, and Benson has plenty of it. He was one of the better deep threats in the Big Ten Conference, especially after Moore went down with an injury. Oregon needed that speed on the outside and Benson delivered over and over again.
10-Yard Split
Oregon wide receiver Malik Benson carries the ball under cover from Indiana defensive back Louis Moore as the Oregon Ducks face the Indiana Hoosiers in the Peach Bowl on Jan. 9, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
Official Split Time: 1.55 seconds
Rank at Position: Tied for 7th of 16 players
Benson's 10-yard split was average among the 16 receivers who did the drill, but his time is still plenty good enough for an NFL receiver.
Vertical Jump
Jan 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Malik Benson (4) makes the catch in front of Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive back Brice Pollock (14) during the first half of the 2025 Orange Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Official Measurement: 32.50"
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Rank at Position: 13th of 16 Players
So Benson isn't a big leaper. So what? With his speed and ability to get open, jumping out of the building isn't high on the list of must-need abilities for Benson to succeed on the next level.
Broad Jump
Oregon wide receiver Malik Benson makes a catch as the Oregon Ducks host the USC Trojans on Nov. 22, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.
Official Measurement: 10' 2"
Rank at Position: 10th of 13 Players
With his slightly better-than-average vertical leaping ability, it's no surprise Benson didn't turn any heads in the broad jump. But considering Benson's past with track and field, it's a little bit of a surprise his broad jump numbers weren't better. He'll have a chance to improve on that with Oregon's Pro Day next month, assuming Benson participates.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Assessing Oregon WR Malik Benson's performance at the 2026 NFL Combine
