On Day 2 of the 2026 NFL draft, the Giants had one pick to make: a second-rounder. However, general manager Joe Schoen was active in trying to acquire another. Eventually, Schoen struck a deal with the Cleveland Browns to acquire the 74th overall pick. With that third-round selection, the Giants drafted wide receiver Malachi Fields out of Notre Dame.
Fields was a dynamic playmaker at the collegiate level. New York is hopeful the 22-year-old can contribute early in his first season. Joe Schoen has spoken highly of Fields sicne the draft in late April. Additionally, the young wide receiver has the skills and talent level to be a legitimate second option behind Pro Bowl wide receiver Malik Nabers.
Giants Draft Pick Malachi Fields Has the Tools to Succeed Early
Joe Schoen envisions a specific role for the rookie wide receiver in 2026
New York is determined to build around Jaxson Dart. They want the second-year pro to have a variety of targets in 2026. With a third-round selection, the Giants drafted a big-bodied receiver who can make an immediate impact. Malachi Fields spent five seasons in college. Four with Virginia and one with Notre Dame. He finished his career with 2,479 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns.
Recently, Giants general manager Joe Schoen spoke with the media about Fields. He said the team has found its “power forward” in the wide receiver room. Additionally, Schoen mentioned Fields’ “catch radius and athleticism” as traits that attracted the Giants. Over the past few seasons, New York has lacked a dynamic wide receiver with Fields’s size. His six-foot-four, 215-pound frame will make him a tough cover for opposing defenses. Contested catches were a staple of his collegiate career. The Giants believe that skill set will translate to the NFL.
Can Malachi Fields and Malik Nabers become a star duo like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins?
Ahead of the NFL draft in April 2026, Fields was drawing comparisons to Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. He is six-foot-four, 220 pounds. Nearly identical to Fields. Both players have a unique ability to make contested catches look easy. Additionally, they are both chain moves and create explosive gains. Back in 2020, Higgins was a second-round selection. Fields was a third-round Giants draft pick in 2026. Given their physical traits, it’s easy to draw comparisons between the two.
Ja’Marr Chase and Malik Nabers are the unquestioned alphas of their respective wide receiver rooms. Chase has quite a career resume in six years. He is a five-time Pro Bowler, two-time first-team All-Pro selection, and triple-crown winner in 2024. Additionally, Chase has finished with 80+ catches and at least 1,000 receiving yards in all six of his seasons with the Bengals. As a rookie, Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers proved why he was a top-five selection.
Nabers had 109 catches for 1,204 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 2024. Unfortunately, his 2025 season was cut short due to a long-term knee injury. The young WR is expected to bounce back and be New York’s top option again in 2026. Can the duo of Malachi Fields and Malik Nabers develop into players like Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase?
It’s not difficult to see where the comparisons come from. Fields and Higgins were both Day 2 picks in the NFL draft who played in the ACC. Additionally, they are identical in size and weight. On top of that, their play styles are similar. If Fields reaches his potential, he could become a legitimate second option for New York. Also, Nabers and Chase were both top-six picks in their respective NFL drafts who played at LSU. Much like Fields and Higgins, Nabers and Chase are similar in size and playstyle. Both Nabers and Fields have a long way to go, but there is potential for them to be a dynamic duo in the NFL.
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