2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Malachi Fields (WR – Notre Dame)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields.

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Malachi Fields

Malachi Fields (WR – Notre Dame)

6-foot-4 | 222 Pounds

Background

Malachi Fields was a three- or four-star receiver recruit who played quarterback in high school, originally committing to Virginia, where he spent the first four seasons of his collegiate career. Caught a combined 16 passes over the first two seasons, missing time in his sophomore campaign after undergoing surgery on a broken foot, then stepped into the starting lineup.

Posted similar seasons of 58-811-5 (14.0) and 55-808-5 (14.7) before transferring to Notre Dame before the 2025 season. With the Fighting Irish this year, went 36-630-5 (17.5).

Positives

Three-year starter with some of the best size in the class; has a tall and very thick build, even for a split end. Decisiveness and adequate quickness at the snap allow him to release against press-man coverage. Despite not being the fastest receiver, actually does a pretty good job of winning with his release and stacking opponents, and was often used as a deep threat in school.

Works to sink his hips into the route stem, showing some attention to detail. Able to track the ball reasonably well over his shoulder. Presents a big target with a reliable pair of hands. Dropped six passes in 2023, but only four over his other four seasons combined. Size gives him good potential in the red zone.

Fields runs hard after the catch to fight for additional yardage after contact, and can bulldoze smaller defenders. Functions as a reliable chain-mover on screens and hitches in short-yardage situations. Shows good lower-body strength and competitiveness as a blocker. Can align tightly to the formation to wall off opponents on the backside.

Negatives

A bit older than some of his peers after spending five years in school. It didn’t always seem like it was a priority to get him the ball once he transferred to Notre Dame. Athleticism is closer to average; more of a rumbler than a fast or explosive runner.

Doesn’t have a lot of flexibility or burst out of the route stem to create separation against man coverage. Caught fewer than half of his contested catches in school, and 13 of his targets were intercepted over the past two seasons. Ball security has been a bit of an issue, with four career fumbles on 165 catches. Not going to make many people miss after the catch. Shows good physicality and competitiveness when blocking, but doesn’t always show the most consistent base, causing him to fall off some attempts.

Summary

A massive wide receiver who could conceivably convert to tight end at the pro level, Fields has shown the ability to do the dirty work offensively, with physical blocking and running after the catch to grind out tough yardage.

Fields releases well at the line of scrimmage and offers a big body to throw to, but might struggle to gain consistent separation as a pro due to his lack of ideal athleticism. Probably more of a mid-round candidate.

Projection: Round 5