Two Oregon Players Flying Under the Radar Before NFL Draft

Malik Benson and Jadon Canady are two Ducks prospects who could surprise in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:22am by

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fragmented movements and energy of a football game, with players and the field broken down into abstract shapes and planes of color.Two Oregon Ducks prospects, Malik Benson and Jadon Canady, are flying under the radar but could surprise in the 2026 NFL Draft.Eugene Today

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the Oregon Ducks are looking to build on their program-record 10 players selected in 2025. While wide receiver Malik Benson and cornerback Jadon Canady aren't projected as early-round picks, college football coaches around the country have identified them as potential sleeper prospects.

Why it matters

The Ducks have established themselves as a pipeline to the NFL in recent years, and Benson and Canady represent the next wave of talent looking to make an impact at the professional level. Their ability to outperform their draft projections could provide a boost to Oregon's reputation for developing NFL-caliber talent.

The details

Benson, a 6-foot, 189-pound receiver, had his best season with the Ducks in 2025, catching 43 passes for 719 yards and six touchdowns. He also excelled as a punt returner, averaging 17.9 yards per return and scoring a touchdown. Canady, a 5-foot-10, 181-pound cornerback, joined Oregon in 2025 after stints at Tulane, Ole Miss, and the transfer portal. He recorded 39 tackles, two interceptions, and six pass breakups in his lone season with the Ducks.

  • Benson and Canady both participated in the 2026 NFL Combine in late February.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26.

The players

Malik Benson

A wide receiver for the Oregon Ducks, Benson is a 6-foot, 189-pound prospect who had a breakout 2025 season with 43 receptions for 719 yards and six touchdowns. He also excelled as a punt returner.

Jadon Canady

A cornerback for the Oregon Ducks, Canady is a 5-foot-10, 181-pound prospect who joined the team in 2025 after stints at Tulane and Ole Miss. He recorded 39 tackles, two interceptions, and six pass breakups in his lone season with the Ducks.

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What they’re saying

“Malik Benson and Jadon Canady are two Ducks that aren't projected to be early round selections, but college football coaches around the country have noticed them and view them sleeper picks.”

— Adam Rittenburg, ESPN Reporter

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26, where Benson and Canady will look to exceed their draft projections and hear their names called.

The takeaway

The Oregon Ducks have established themselves as a pipeline to the NFL in recent years, and Malik Benson and Jadon Canady represent the next wave of talent looking to make an impact at the professional level. While they may not be projected as early-round picks, their ability to outperform expectations could provide a boost to Oregon's reputation for developing NFL-caliber talent.