Malik Benson Mania: Why Oregon Rookie Is NFL’s Most Hyped Newcomer
Five Oregon Ducks Rookies Making Waves in 2026 NFL Training Camps
The Oregon Ducks had a huge 2026 NFL Draft — seven players were picked in April, and several more signed as undrafted free agents. Now that the NFL season is right around the corner and preseason games are starting, five former Ducks are grabbing headlines in their rookie training camps.
Quick Summary: From a surprising late-round receiver turning heads in Las Vegas to a first-round tight end battling injury in New York, here’s your simple guide to the Oregon rookies making noise before the regular season kicks off.
1. Malik Benson: The Raiders’ Sixth-Round Steal?
Team: Las Vegas Raiders
Position: Wide Receiver
Draft Status: 6th Round Pick
College: One year at Oregon (transfer)
Why He’s Getting Buzz
- Spent just one season in Eugene but quickly climbed the Ducks’ depth chart
- Now doing the same thing in the NFL — veteran QB Kirk Cousins said: "I really like our sixth-round pick, Malik Benson"
- Practice clips show off his speed and chemistry with Raiders’ No. 1 overall pick QB Fernando Mendoza
- Big opportunity: Starting WR Jalen Nailor is injured, opening snaps for Benson
What’s Next
- First preseason game: Thursday vs. Arizona Cardinals
- Will face former Oregon teammate Jordan Burch (now a Cardinals linebacker)
2. Kenyon Sadiq: First-Round Talent, Injury Delay
Team: New York Jets
Position: Tight End
Draft Status: 1st Round, Pick #16 (Oregon’s highest selection)
College: Three years at Oregon under Coach Dan Lanning
College Resume
- Junior season (2025): 51 catches, 560 yards, 8 touchdowns
The Setback
- Dealing with a hernia injury that kept him out of training camp
- Aug 11 update: Now jogging on sidelines during practice
- Jets Coach Aaron Glenn: Sadiq had a "setback in recovery" but expected ready for Week 1
Important: First-round picks usually get immediate playing time. Sadiq missing camp reps could slow his rookie impact, but the Jets expect him back for the real games.
3. Dillon Thieneman: Bears Safety with Ups and Downs
Team: Chicago Bears
Position: Safety
Draft Status: 1st Round, Pick #25
College: One year at Oregon (transfer junior)
College Resume
- 2025 season: 92 tackles, 5 pass breakups, 1 sack, 2 interceptions
- NFL Combine standout: Impressed with rare speed for a safety
- Bears Coach Ben Johnson praised his athleticism in camp
Camp Reality Check
- Struggled in practice vs. tight end Colston Loveland
- Bright spot: Intercepted QB Caleb Williams in early August practice
- First preseason game: Saturday vs. Cleveland Browns
The Goal
If he keeps improving in camp and three preseason games, he could start Week 1 in Chicago’s secondary.
4. Jadon Canady: Chiefs’ Cornerback Competition
Team: Kansas City Chiefs
Position: Cornerback
Draft Status: 4th Round Pick
College: One year at Oregon (transfer)
College Resume
- 2025 season: 39 tackles, 6 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, 2 interceptions
The Battle
- Competing for starting nickel cornerback spot
- Main competition: Veteran Kader Kohou and 3rd-year Chris Rolland-Wallace
- The Athletic’s Jesse Newell reports: Canady appears ahead of Kohou so far
What’s Next
- First preseason game: Saturday vs. Los Angeles Rams
- Will face former Oregon teammate Terrance Ferguson (Rams tight end)
5. Bryce Boettcher: Walk-On Mentality Earns First-Team Reps
Team: Indianapolis Colts
Position: Linebacker
Draft Status: 4th Round, Pick #135
College: Two-sport athlete, originally a walk-on at Oregon
College Resume
- 2025 season: 136 tackles, 5 pass breakups, 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles, 1 interception
Why He Stands Out
- Chip on his shoulder — earned everything the hard way
- Colts coaching staff rotating LBs with first-team defense in practice
- Boettcher’s mindset: "I just kind of expected that the best player who shows the best effort and plays the fastest should play. They’ve given me a good opportunity to showcase my ability so far."
What’s Next
- First preseason game: Thursday vs. New England Patriots
- Will face former Ducks star Christian Gonzalez (Patriots cornerback)
Preseason Schedule at a Glance
| Player | Team | First Preseason Game | Opponent | Notable Matchup |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malik Benson | Raiders | Thursday | Arizona Cardinals | vs. Jordan Burch (OR LB) |
| Kenyon Sadiq | Jets | TBD | TBD | Recovering from hernia |
| Dillon Thieneman | Bears | Saturday | Cleveland Browns | — |
| Jadon Canady | Chiefs | Saturday | LA Rams | vs. Terrance Ferguson (OR TE) |
| Bryce Boettcher | Colts | Thursday | New England Patriots | vs. Christian Gonzalez (OR CB) |
Key Takeaways for Fans
- Transfers paid off — Benson, Thieneman, and Canady all transferred to Oregon for one year and boosted their draft stock
- Late rounds can play early — 6th rounder Benson and 4th rounders Canady/Boettcher are competing for real roles
- Injury watch — Sadiq’s hernia is the biggest concern for Week 1 availability
- Duck vs. Duck matchups — Multiple preseason games feature former Oregon teammates on opposite sides
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many Oregon players were drafted in 2026?
A: Seven Oregon players were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, with several more signing as undrafted free agents afterward.
Q: Who was Oregon’s highest draft pick?
A: Tight end Kenyon Sadiq went 16th overall to the New York Jets — the first Duck off the board.
Q: What’s a "nickel cornerback" that Jadon Canady is competing for?
A: A nickel corner is the 5th defensive back who comes on the field in passing situations (usually covering slot receivers). It’s a key starting role in today’s NFL.
Q: Why is Malik Benson getting attention as a 6th-round pick?
A: Late-round picks rarely make immediate impacts, but Benson is earning praise from veteran QB Kirk Cousins, getting practice hype for his speed, and has an open path to playing time due to an injury ahead of him on the depth chart.
Q: When does the real NFL season start?
A: Week 1 of the 2026 regular season begins in early September (after three preseason games in August). Kenyon Sadiq is targeting Week 1 for his return from hernia surgery.
Summary
The 2026 Oregon Ducks draft class is already making noise in NFL training camps:
- Malik Benson (Raiders WR) — Surprise standout, praised by Kirk Cousins
- Kenyon Sadiq (Jets TE) — First-round talent, sidelined by hernia but targeting Week 1
- Dillon Thieneman (Bears S) — First-round pick showing flashes but also growing pains
- Jadon Canady (Chiefs CB) — 4th rounder winning the nickel corner battle so far
- Bryce Boettcher (Colts LB) — Former walk-on earning first-team reps with relentless effort
Preseason games start this week — the perfect time to watch these rookies take their first NFL snaps. Keep an eye out for Duck vs. Duck matchups as former teammates line up on opposite sidelines!
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