HENDERSON, Nev. — Las Vegas Raiders wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni likes what he’s seeing from rookie wide receiver Malik Benson, but he made it clear there’s still plenty of room for growth.
Speaking after Tuesday’s training camp practice, Azzanni praised Benson’s steady development while emphasizing that the rookie continues to learn the speed and details of the NFL game.
“Malik’s doing a good job,” Azzanni said. “Pleased with his improvement and progress. Long way to go. Still a rookie, makes those rookie mistakes, but I’m pleased with his attitude. He’s extremely coachable. He’s tough. When you do that, you’ve got a chance. He’s improving every day, and that’s what I want to see — slight improvement, steady, a little bit every day. He’s been doing that.”
One of the more noticeable developments during camp has been Benson’s chemistry with rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza. The two have connected repeatedly throughout practices, something Azzanni believes extends beyond what happens between the white lines.
“I think so,” Azzanni said when asked if the two have built a relationship off the field. “They’re good people. Our personnel department did a great job bringing in good humans. They naturally gravitate toward each other off the field. They’re outgoing, they’re building good relationships, and that’s super important.”
Azzanni said that bond is already translating onto the practice field.
“I think it’s huge. Love to see that connection for a long time. Start building it now. Those guys have been throwing together in the summertime and through the spring, and you can see those little things paying off every day.”
The veteran assistant also discussed the growth of second-year receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr., explaining that performance is judged solely by what players put on film.
“I always tell our room the tape is our résumé. Let the tape be our guide,” Azzanni said. “He’s had a couple rough days, and he’s bounced back and made some good plays. That’s what we’re looking for. We’re installing a lot during training camp, so everything’s not going to be perfect. But he’s working his tail off.”
Azzanni also praised the versatility of veteran receivers Tre Tucker and Jalen Nailor, noting that each brings a unique skill set to the offense.
“They’re just both so different,” Azzanni said. “Tre has that speed, can make contested catches, and Jalen has been that crafty route runner for the last few years. He understands space, how to get open, and does the dirty work. They’re feeding off each other.”
Known for his demanding coaching style, Azzanni said he believes honesty gives players the best opportunity to improve.
“I’m going to tell them exactly how it is,” he said. “I don’t believe in opinions. I believe the tape. This is their careers we’re dealing with. My opinion doesn’t matter — what they do matters. This group has really taken to that because they’re eager to win.”
Benson backed up his coach’s praise during Tuesday’s practice with one of his strongest performances of training camp.
The rookie receiver consistently created separation and caught nearly everything thrown his way while working with multiple quarterbacks, including Fernando Mendoza, Aidan O’Connell, and starting quarterback Kirk Cousins. Benson made plays during one-on-one drills, seven-on-seven periods, and full 11-on-11 team sessions.
His production came at every level of the field, hauling in short routes, intermediate throws, and deep passes while showing the ability to beat man coverage, press coverage, and find openings against zone defenses. He was especially effective during red-zone work, continuing to build confidence with each passing practice.
If Tuesday’s practice was any indication, the early connection between Malik Benson and Fernando Mendoza is beginning to show tangible results. As Azzanni noted, the chemistry the two rookies have built away from the facility is already translating onto the field, and for the Raiders’ young offensive core, that’s an encouraging sign as training camp continues.
