There have been so many moving parts for the New York Giants this offseason, which was headlined by John Harbaugh being named head coach. New York was able to select three players in the top 37 picks, which got the bulk of attention, but receiver Malachi Fields also has his arrow pointing up.
The Giants traded a fourth and fifth round pick to move up into the third round to nab Fields. That shows how much they actually like the pass catcher, and with the depth chart behind Malik Nabers frankly open, Fields has a pathway to getting on the field. It's his run blocking that stands out and will get him on the good side of his coaches.
Malachi Fields' blocking with earn him playing time with Giants
Fields was a big play threat last season with Notre Dame, but what stood out on film was his blocking ability on the outside during Jeremiyah Love's and Jadarian Price's big runs.
In an article written by Art Stapleton of NorthJersey.com, an NFL executive talked about the impact that Fields brought to the Fighting Irish offense.
"When NFL scouts were falling in love with Love and Price, the smart ones were also taking notice of the guy wearing No. 0 doing the dirty work to help make those plays happen. That's the value of Malachi Fields the real ones see."
Considering that Love and Price combined for 2,076 rushing yards last season, they had to have elite blocking happening, and Fields's prowess on the outside helped spring some of those huge runs at the second level.
Fields is listed at 6-foot-4, 223 pounds. He's a physically imposing weapon that can use his size to box out defenders and snag contested catches. The Giants know he brings that to the table, and that's beneficial. But being a great run blocker is something that coaches constantly preach, and if Fields brings that to the field when training camp and preseason roll around, he'll quickly climb the depth chart.
What Fields can bring to vastly different than the other receivers on the roster. And his mindset is something that stands out.
"I definitely think I was someone who always wanted to be a part of going and getting a block, covering up a guy in the backfield. Those dudes do the same thing in pass protection. They pick up the blitzing linebackers and stick their nose in there. I can only return the favor when they have the ball in their hands," Fields said.
Not many receivers want to get their hands dirty and be assertive as blockers. That's not the story here with Fields, and that's impressive. Getting the ball is what receivers typically want, and when that doesn't happen, they could zone out. That won't be the case with Fields, and that will have a positive impact on his snap count in 2026.
It's also worth noting that Fields reeled in 36 passes for 630 yards (17.5 yards per reception) and five touchdowns last season for Notre Dame. He may not be the fastest receiver (4.61 40-yard dash), but New York plans to move him all over the formation, including being a big slot.
The Giants are crafting a plan for Fields, but his run-blocking skill set is what will get him on the field sooner rather than later.
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