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Malik Benson leads trio of NFL Ducks with 'surprise' spring performances
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- Malik Benson leads trio of NFL Ducks with 'surprise' spring performances
The NFL has wrapped up minicamp, and several former Oregon Ducks made strong efforts to earn a role within their organizations. Former Ducks are scattered across the league, as the program has continued to send more talent to the professional level under Dan Lanning's leadership, including seven in April's draft.
While the Ducks have multiple notable stars, particularly at quarterback with Justin Herbert and Bo Nix , several former Ducks are still trying to make a name for themselves in the league.
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ESPN allowed beat reporters for each NFL team to name one "under-the-radar" or "surprise" player from each team's minicamp , which ran through the spring and concluded earlier this month. Training camp and the preseason will afford the Oregon alumni a chance to solidify a major role heading into the season , and their performances in minicamp have set the stage for an all-important summer of practices.
The article from ESPN's NFL beat reporters listed three former Ducks, including one rookie, who had a great spring.
WR Malik Benson (Raiders)
HENDERSON, NEVADA - MAY 20: Malik Benson #19 of the Las Vegas Raiders practices during an OTA offseason workout at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters/Intermountain Health Performance Center on May 20, 2026 in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
A sixth-round selection in April's draft, wide receiver Malik Benson has made quite a first impression this spring with the Las Vegas Raiders . Benson, who led the Ducks with 719 receiving yards and six touchdowns last season (as well as one punt return score), has quickly become a favorite target for No. 1 overall pick and reigning Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza.
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Known for his speed, Benson has established himself as a reliable target for the young quarterback and could be moving up the depth chart toward a consistent role on Sundays.
"The Raiders drafted Benson in the sixth round with the belief that the former Oregon wideout could be a vertical threat who opens up the offense and makes explosive plays," ESPN's Ryan McFadden wrote . "He showcased that ability throughout OTAs and minicamp. He and quarterback Fernando Mendoza developed a strong connection during practices. Benson was Mendoza's go-to target during team drills, especially in the middle of the field. The competition at wide receiver is pretty much wide open, meaning Benson has a chance to create a role for himself in Year 1 if his production continues during training camp."
While the competition at wide receiver is very open for the Raiders, Benson is competing alongside veterans with speed, including Tre Tucker and Jalen Nailor , and youngsters Jack Bech (a second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft) and Dont'e Thornton (another former Duck).
WR Tez Johnson (Buccaneers)
When forced into action as a rookie, Tez Johnson quickly quelled suspicions that his lack of size would be a dealbreaker in the NFL. Instead, Johnson hauled in five touchdowns in his rookie season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers , showing that his speed could make him a reliable weapon.
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Even with the departure of superstar Mike Evans , the wide receiver room is still fairly crowded in Tampa Bay . Johnson is firmly in the mix, but after Georgia State's Ted Hurst was selected by the team in the draft, Johnson has a very similar player to battle against in camp. A small but speedy wideout, Johnson is doing his best to separate himself.
So far, it appears he has.
"Maybe this won't shock a lot of people considering Johnson was pressed into action extensively last year in his rookie season and had five touchdowns," ESPN's Jenna Laine wrote . "But in arguably the most competitive room on the team, Johnson stood out. He had two touchdown catches from Jake Browning in their final practice and caught several others."
Johnson likely won't start the season as a starter, barring an injury to someone ahead of him on the depth chart. However, there is still room for him to carve out a big responsibility in the offense or on special teams. As one of Oregon's most decorated receivers, setting a school record with 86 catches in 2023, Johnson could take another leap in his second NFL season.
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TE Terrance Ferguson (Rams)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - AUGUST 23: Terrance Ferguson #18 of the Los Angeles Rams carries the ball during the second quarter of an NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field on August 23, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Unlike Johnson and Benson, Terrance Ferguson enters his second NFL season with the Los Angeles Rams in a tricky spot, but not without big expectations. Ferguson is now in a crowded position room in Los Angeles, with veteran Tyler Higbee still holding the leading role, and Ohio State rookie Max Klare joining them this offseason.
Despite being a second-round pick in 2025, Ferguson didn't see much action as a rookie, finishing the year with only 11 catches. However, his role in the offense grew toward the end of the season, and he made three touchdown catches to finish his rookie campaign.
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While Ferguson will likely enter the season as Higbee's backup again, the Rams appear intent on giving Ferguson more opportunities as a vertical pass catcher in 2026. He will be relied upon more often in a pass-heavy offense in Los Angeles , and he could become a valuable red zone threat for quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Super Bowl-contending Rams.
"Ferguson, a second-year tight end, is part of a crowded position group, including rookie second-round pick Max Klare," ESPN's Sarah Bishop wrote . "But several people in the Rams' building have pointed to Ferguson as a player they think will take a big step forward in Year 2. Tight end Tyler Higbee said while the position is 'one of the tougher' spots to transition from college to the NFL, Ferguson has 'got it.' 'He's going to be a great player,' Higbee said."
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Malik Benson leads trio of NFL Ducks with 'surprise' spring performances
