Bengals Meet With Speedy Big Ten Wide Receiver Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

Oregon's Malik Benson is a late-round option for Cincinnati as they look to add more weapons for Joe Burrow.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:13pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, with sharp planes of orange and black colors representing the Cincinnati Bengals' team palette, conveying the dynamic energy of the sport.A cubist interpretation of a speedy wide receiver's dynamic movements, reflecting the Bengals' search for offensive playmakers to complement their star quarterback.Cincinnati Today

The Cincinnati Bengals have reportedly met with Oregon wide receiver Malik Benson ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Benson, a 6-foot, 189-pound speedster, is ranked 252nd overall on the consensus big board and could be a late-round option for the Bengals, who hold four picks from No. 189 and beyond.

Why it matters

The Bengals are always looking to add more weapons for star quarterback Joe Burrow, and Benson's combination of speed and production at Oregon makes him an intriguing prospect. Cincinnati has several late-round picks to work with, so taking a flier on a player like Benson could pay dividends.

The details

Benson said he had a formal interview with the Dallas Cowboys at the NFL Combine and informal meetings with around 30 teams. He also met with the Las Vegas Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, Washington Commanders, New York Giants, Buffalo Bills, and Kansas City Chiefs during the pre-draft process. Benson is coming off a strong 2025 season at Oregon, where he had 43 receptions for 719 yards and 6 touchdowns.

  • Benson had a formal interview with the Dallas Cowboys at the NFL Combine.
  • Benson had informal meetings with around 30 teams during the pre-draft process.
  • Benson met with the Las Vegas Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, Washington Commanders, New York Giants, Buffalo Bills, and Kansas City Chiefs.

The players

Malik Benson

A 6-foot, 189-pound wide receiver from Oregon who is ranked 252nd overall on the consensus big board and could be a late-round option for the Bengals.

Joe Burrow

The star quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals, who the team is always looking to add more weapons for.

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What they’re saying

“I had a formal interview with the Dallas Cowboys at the NFL Combine. I had informals with probably 30 teams. I met with everybody. It was fun talking ball with those coaches. We talked about my journey. I met with all 32 teams at the East-West Shrine Bowl. That was a great starting point to build relationships with these teams. By the NFL Combine, I already had some relationships in place.”

— Malik Benson, Oregon Wide Receiver

“I met with the Las Vegas Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, Washington Commanders, and New York Giants on Zoom. I had a workout with the Buffalo Bills. Their wide receivers coach and assistant GM came down here for a workout. I met with the Cincinnati Bengals as well. I have a Zoom with the Kansas City Chiefs as well. It's been a fun process, man. I'm soaking it all up. I've come a long way from JUCO, like you and I were talking about earlier. Not everyone goes from that to D-I or D-II, even. I'm blessed to be in this position. I'm trying to cherish these moments right now. I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing by keeping the main thing the main thing.”

— Malik Benson, Oregon Wide Receiver

What’s next

The Bengals will continue to evaluate Benson and other late-round wide receiver prospects as they prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

The Bengals are leaving no stone unturned in their search for offensive playmakers to surround Joe Burrow. Benson's speed and production at Oregon make him an intriguing late-round option, and the team's interest shows they are willing to take chances on talented players even in the later rounds.