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Malik Benson, Jadon Canady labeled by ESPN as 2026 NFL Draft sleepers
TL;DR
Malik Benson and Jadon Canady have been identified as sleeper picks for the 2026 NFL Draft by ESPN, following strong performances at Oregon. Benson emerged as a key player with 43 receptions, 719 yards, and six touchdowns in his final season.
There's been a lot of hype around the 2026 NFL Draft for the Oregon Ducks, with tight end Kenyon Sadiq and safety Dillon Thieneman stealing much of the attention as presumed first-rounders. All-American guard Emmanuel Pregnon is also receiving plenty of attention as a potential second-rounder despite not being at a premium position. Linebacker Bryce Boettcher has made headlines for his two-sport background.
But two former Ducks aren't seeing as much attention — something that college coaches believe needs to change in the lead-up to the draft.
ESPN polled multiple college coaches about draft sleepers, with Oregon wide receiver Malik Benson and cornerback Jadon Canady's names coming up.
In Benson's case, he essentially came out of nowhere as a potential draftee with his play in the final two months of the season. An injury to Dakorien Moore pushed Benson into the role of the de-facto WR1, as he finished the season with 43 receptions for a team-leading 719 yards and six touchdowns. He produced his first 100-yard game of his career against Washington only to follow it up with another triple-digit performance in the next game in the College Football Playoff against James Madison.
Not only a tremendous deep threat, Benson was excellent on in-breaking routes. One of the highlights of the Ducks' season was his catch against the Huskies across the middle in which he turned upfield for a 64-yard score, putting the game out of reach late in final quarter.
"Malik had an outstanding season for us, and his speed will really translate to the NFL," head coach Dan Lanning said. "His speed is a separator, and the type of person he is is a separator."
On the opposite side of the ball, Canady quietly put together an All-American-worthy season as Oregon's slot corner.
The Tulane and Ole Miss transfer has a slight frame (5-foot-11, 185 pounds), but makes up for it with his technical skills and high IQ. Several times, he climbed the ladder to record either an interception or a pass breakup, showing his top-level athleticism that is sure to translate to the next level.
"I don't know where he falls in the draft, but I know whatever team gets him, they'll be really excited," head coach Dan Lanning said. "He's a guy who played corner, played nickel for us, played safety, so his versatility, his intelligence, he has some of those separating factors that you look for, for guys who can play for a while."
Lanning knows exactly what makes a great NFL player, as pro-level talent has routinely passed through Eugene during his tenure as the head coach. His stamp of approval of Benson and Canady should put NFL teams on notice for both players as the draft plays out in a little over a week.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Malik Benson, Jadon Canady labeled by ESPN as 2026 NFL Draft sleepers
Q&A
What were Malik Benson's stats during his final season at Oregon?
Malik Benson recorded 43 receptions for 719 yards and six touchdowns in his final season at Oregon.
Why are Malik Benson and Jadon Canady considered sleepers for the 2026 NFL Draft?
They are considered sleepers due to their impressive performances that have gone under the radar compared to other top prospects, as highlighted by college coaches.
How did an injury to Dakorien Moore impact Malik Benson's role at Oregon?
The injury to Dakorien Moore elevated Malik Benson to the role of de-facto WR1, allowing him to showcase his skills and significantly contribute to the team's offense.
