The Washington Commanders remain busy interviewing prospects ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Washington has shown a particular interest in the wide receiver class, which some believe is the deepest position. The Commanders have hosted some of the top receivers, including Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon and Omar Cooper Jr. on official top 30 visits, but have also met with several others.

Oregon wide receiver Malik Benson is the latest receiver to reveal he met with Washington.

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“I met with all 32 teams at the East-West Shrine Bowl,” Benson told Justin Melo of NFL Draft on SI. “That was a great starting point to build relationships with these teams. By the NFL Combine, I already had some relationships in place.”

Benson then revealed another meeting with the Commanders.

“I met with the Las Vegas Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, Washington Commanders, New York Giants on Zoom. I had a workout with the Buffalo Bills. Their wide receivers coach and assistant GM came down here for a workout. I met with the Cincinnati Bengals as well. I have a Zoom with the Kansas City Chiefs as well.”

Benson is a 6-foot-0, 189-pound prospect who began his college career at Hutchinson Community College. The Lansing, Kansas, native spent two years at Hutchinson before moving to the FBS, first with the Alabama Crimson Tide. He appeared in 14 games for Alabama and transferred to Florida State in 2024. He appeared in 12 games for the Seminoles, doubling his production from the previous year with 25 receptions. After being granted an additional year of eligibility due to his time at a JUCO program, Benson transferred to Oregon for his final season.

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It was a breakout year, as Benson set new career-highs in receptions (41), receiving yards (696), yards per reception (17.0) and touchdowns (six). After a banner year for the Ducks, Benson attended the NFL combine and put on a show, running the 40-yard dash in 4.37 seconds.

Benson is expected to be selected sometime on Day 3 of the NFL draft. Washington is without picks in the second and fourth rounds, but does have four total picks on Day 3. This is a smart strategy by the Commanders to learn more about potential Day 3 prospects. Washington needs someone to stretch the field. Benson does that well with his elite speed.

Here’s a stat that should excite Commanders’ fans: Five of Benson’s six touchdowns last year were 40 yards or longer.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders met with Oregon WR Malik Benson