Why New Giants WR Malachi Fields Excites Coaches Revealed in Rumors After 2026 NFL Draft

Multiple NFL wide receivers coaches were reportedly impressed with the New York Giants landing Notre Dame wideout Malachi Fields with the No. 74 overall pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL draft.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, an anonymous NFC assistant coach reached out to him about the Fields pick and said, "Downfield playmaking, plays faster than he ran and was able to go up and make plays on the ball. Could win isolate routes outside the numbers."

Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski largely agreed with that assessment, giving the Giants a "B" grade for the selection of Fields.

After landing linebacker Arvell Reese, offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa and cornerback Colton Hood in the first two rounds, the Giants liked Fields enough to trade back into the third round in order to select him.

In Fields, the Giants got a big, physical receiver who measured at over 6'3" and weighed in at 218 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Although he only ran a 4.61 in the 40-yard dash, Fields showed during his collegiate career that he has the ability to win contested catches and make plays down the field.

After four seasons at Virginia, Fields transferred to Notre Dame for his senior season in 2025, and he recorded 36 receptions for 630 yards and five touchdowns. His 17.5 yards per catch marked the best average of his career.

Malachi Fields highlights

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Fields lands in a favorable situation in New York since there won't necessarily be a ton of pressure on him to be an immediate difference-maker.

The Giants already have their WR1 in Malik Nabers, plus they added wide receiver depth this offseason, signing Darnell Mooney and Calvin Austin III to push Darius Slayton, Jalin Hyatt and Isaiah Hodgins.

Second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart should have a bevy of diverse weapons at his disposal next season, and Fields stands out in particular due to his size in relation to the team's other wideouts.

Even if he doesn't start as a rookie, Fields' skill set is unique enough to warrant a role in the offense, and that could set him up for success down the line.