Training camp star’s offseason hype unravels with brutal drops vs. Texans

There were a few rookie mishaps to come out of the Las Vegas Raiders’ preseason game against the Houston Texans on Thursday. QB Fernando Mendoza threw an interception that resulted in an 80-yard touchdown by LB Wade Woodaz.

Then, highly touted WR Malik Benson bungled two passes during the game, per Sam Warren of The Athletic. However, the Raiders came away victorious 22-20. Benson finished with one reception for 18 yards.

Lately, Benson has made a deep impression during Training Camp. In essence, he has completely altered the landscape of the Raiders’ wide receivers. His quickness, ability to master slot packages, and kick/punt returns have outdone the likes of fellow WRs Dont’e Thornton Jr. and Jack Bech. He’s also forged a tight bond with Mendoza.

So these mistakes, even in a preseason game, could potentially hamper Benson’s chances of securing opportunities during the regular season.

In April, Benson was selected as the 195th pick by the Raiders in the 6th round of the NFL Draft. He had a prolific collegiate career, playing for four different schools (Hutchinson, Alabama, Florida State, and Oregon) over four years.

While at Hutchinson, Benson made First-Team NJCAA DI All-American after finishing with 43 catches for 1,229 yards and 11 touchdowns. He finished with a program record 2,152 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns.

In his senior season at Oregon, Benson made All-Big Ten Honorable Mention. He came away with 716 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns on 43 receptions.

The Raiders are rebuilding after finishing last year with a 3-14 record. They also have a new coach in Klint Kubiak, whom the Raiders hired back in February after he won the Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks. 

Vegas’ next preseason game is Aug.27 against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas at 7:00pm CST/8:00pm EST.

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