Kansas City Chiefs are eyeing a local star to help fill a massive need on their roster – second predraft interview has been scheduled

There is an intriguing 2026 NFL Draft prospect that the Kansas City Chiefs are doing a lot of homework on.

Ryan Roberts — National College Football Writer

Apr 1, 2026 2:18 PM EDT

Oregon wide receiver Malik Benson runs during Oregon Pro Day on March 17, 2026, at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Oregon. © Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Kansas City Chiefs are busy hosting several 2026 NFL Draft prospects for interviews, both in person and virtually. That includes former Oregon wide receiver Malik Benson, who is one of the more intriguing pass catchers in the class, for a virtual meeting next week, which was reported by NFL Draft insider Ryan Fowler.

Oregon WR Malik Benson will meet virtually with the Chiefs next week. GM Brett Veach, OC Eric Bieniemy & WRs coach Chad O’Shea are expected to be on the call, per source.

Also met recently with the Seattle Seahawks via zoom.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) March 31, 2026

The Chiefs have already met formally with Benson at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, so there is clearly an intention to learn more about him. Not only is Benson an intriguing player, but he is also a local product of Kansas City, growing up in Lansing, Kansas. The 6-0, 189-pound pass catcher brings loads of speed (4.37-second forty-yard dash) to the table, which is always valued by head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

As of today, Benson is expected to come off the board somewhere on late Day Three at the end of April. The Chiefs appear to be a team of interest to potentially make a late dart throw. You can’t teach speed, something that Benson brings a lot of.

What Malik Benson brings to the table

The former Oregon pass catcher has had a fascinating college journey. After beginning his career at Hutchinson Community College, Benson became a top-ranked JUCO prospect who landed at Alabama. From there, he spent the last two seasons bouncing from Florida State and ending up with the Oregon Ducks in 2025. After barely any production in 2023 and 2024.

Benson became a much-needed contributor for Oregon, a team that was dealt a tough string of injuries at wide receiver. With a notable track-and-field background, Benson brings an intriguing blend of long speed and big-play upside. He is still raw from an all-around perspective, but speed will always be wanted by NFL teams. Benson brings plenty of vertical ability.

Malik Benson’s unique journey

Originally a member of the 2021 recruiting class, Benson was a star at Lansing High School in Kansas, while also putting up some impressive track and field numbers as a sprinter. Despite that background, Benson had to go the JUCO route, ending up at Hutchinson Community College. During his two years, the talented pass catcher became an elite recruit on that level, eventually signing with Alabama.

Benson failed to make an impact with the Crimson Tide during his lone season in 2023. The same was true in 2024 with Florida State, serving as a depth pass catcher in the wide receiver room. With his last chance, Benson ended up with Oregon this past season and capitalized on some injuries in that room. He ended up leading the Ducks with 719 receiving yards on the year.

In total, Benson finished his FBS career with 81 receptions for 1,192 yards and eight touchdowns. With his late-career breakout, there is a legitimate argument that Benson still has even more upside to tap into. His journey has been one of the more interesting in the 2026 class.