The NFL’s spring work is in the books, and a handful of former Oregon Ducks used minicamp to make themselves harder to ignore. ESPN’s team beat reporters singled out three Ducks - including one rookie - as under-the-radar names who turned heads before training camp even begins.
For Malik Benson, that means a fast start in Las Vegas. The rookie sixth-round pick arrived with the reputation of a vertical threat, and he backed it up throughout OTAs and minicamp with the Raiders.
Benson led Oregon last season with 719 receiving yards and six touchdowns, and he also added one punt return score. Now he’s already building chemistry with Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick and reigning Heisman winner, who kept finding him during team work.
"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."
Benson isn’t the only former Duck trying to climb a depth chart. In Tampa Bay, Tez Johnson has kept showing that his size isn’t the story - his speed is.
Johnson caught five touchdowns as a rookie and stepped into action quickly last season, and even with Mike Evans gone, the Buccaneers still have a crowded receiver room. Georgia State’s Ted Hurst, drafted by the team this year, gives Johnson another player with a similar build to beat out in camp.
So far, Johnson has made his case.
"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 may not open the season in a starting role unless injuries change the picture, but there’s still a path for him to earn a bigger job on offense or special teams. Oregon already saw what he can do in college, where he set a school record with 86 catches in 2023.
Terrance Ferguson is in a different kind of battle with the Rams. The second-round pick in 2025 is entering his second season behind Tyler Higbee in a tight end room that also includes rookie second-round pick Max Klare. Ferguson didn’t pile up numbers as a rookie, finishing with just 11 catches, but he did finish strong, and his three touchdown catches hinted at what Los Angeles wants more of.
The Rams seem ready to give him that chance. Ferguson is expected to remain Higbee’s backup, but the team wants him involved more as a vertical option in a pass-heavy offense. That could make him a useful red zone target for Matthew Stafford and the 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."
With minicamp done, Benson, Johnson and Ferguson head into training camp with something important already in hand: momentum.
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