Malachi Fields making ‘early claim’ for WR2 spot

Fields has now caught exactly two passes in each of his first four NFL appearances. His 12-yard touchdown was the first of his career. Jameis Winston was flushed from the pocket and found Fields on the run. The duo later connected on a similar play for a non-scoring 40-yard grab. Today was the first time Winston showed any signs of life in place of Jaxson Dart, though Fields is still going to be a tough sell WR4 in this depressed offensive environment.

Fields hasn’t caught more than two passes in a game this year. He finished third on the team in targets in Week 3. Fields is on the field plenty, he just isn’t earning that many opportunities. He is not a viable fantasy option for Week 4.

Fields struggled alongside the rest of the Giants in a game played mostly with backup quarterback Jameis Winston under center. Jaxson Dart departed after the team’s first possession with what looked like an MCL sprain based on the mechanism of the injury, something that could force missed contests from the normal starter. That would position Fields in a difficult spot to return usable counting stats in the short term. He gets the struggling Titans in Week 3, where he’ll be best left on fantasy benches.

The rookie wide receiver showcased a polished all-around skillset, reinforcing offseason reports that he had locked down the WR2 role opposite Malik Nabers. His 6'4, 220-pound frame was on full display as he was continually utilized as both a down-blocker and blocker in the second level on runs, something that should allow him to continue to operate as the clear-cut WR2 for the Giants throughout his rookie campaign. That said, the box scores highlights the obvious distinction that his snap rate — he led all Giants wideouts with 50 — won’t always translate to fantasy production while playing alongside Nabers and tight end Isaiah Likely, the latter two of whom commanded 17 targets on 29 Jaxson Dart pass attempts. The good news is that he played well ahead of veterans Darnell Mooney and Odell Beckham Jr., with Mooney having 39 snaps and Beckham just 11. Fantasy managers are best off viewing Fields as a high-end stash at the end of benches for the time being.

This isn’t the first time Raanan has suggested Fields could have the inside edge as the Giants’ WR2. Earlier this month, he said the rookie third-rounder was making an “early claim” for the role, which doesn’t come as much of a surprise given the thin receiving corps the Giants are currently working with. The 6-foot-4, 220-plus-pound receiver has an excellent catch radius and made a name for himself with his ability to haul in contested targets during his days at Virginia and Notre Dame. It seems highly unlikely that Fields would make enough of an impact to be considered a reliable fantasy contributor, but he could be worth a late-round/stash in drafts to see how things unfold for him in the weeks to come.

It’s a game that The Athletic’s Dan Duggan says “strengthened his push for the No. 2 receiver job.” His touchdown pass was from Jaxson Dart, but he was one of several receivers getting first-team snaps. It’s hard to believe Fields will be relevant early in 12-team redraft leagues unless Malik Nabers suffers a setback, but he’s squarely on the fantasy radar after a big camp.

Fowler goes so far as to say there are “shades” of former Giants WR Plaxico Burress “as far as style.” This is, perhaps, technically a true statement, but almost assuredly hyperbolic. Fields, a third-round rookie, landed on a depth chart chock-full of speedy role players. He brings a unique skill set with his 6'4/218 frame and jump-ball abilities. Carving out a role this season is possible, but not a given.

Giants GM Joe Schoen recently said Fields will be the “power forward” in the team’s wide receiver corps, jumping for contested catches and blocking on the perimeter. Fields has a chance to play in year one, with speedster WR Darius Slayton coming off another sub-600-yard season. Fields warrants final-round consideration in best ball formats. Expectations must be tempered.

Fields, a big-bodied blocker, probably has a real chance to play big snaps in his first season after the Giants traded up to get him in the third round. Giants coach John Harbaugh praised his speed (despite a 4.61 second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine) by saying “when you do the miles per hour, which we get the (GPS) tracking now, that’s fast. He tracks a lot faster ... he’s the equivalent of a mid-4.4 type 40 time. He’s running over 21 miles an hour consistently in games. He’s also got the ability to stop, drop his weight, change direction, get out of breaks. You see all that.” Fields isn’t really on the fantasy radar right now, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he became a hot waiver wire name at some point in his rookie season.

Fields (6’5/218) has elite size for an outside receiver and uses his size to outwork defenders in press coverage and win contested catches. He won’t blow past too many defenders, as evidenced by his 4.61 40-yard dash, but what Fields lacks in speed, he makes up for with acrobatic catches and good ball awareness to beat his defender. Fields totaled 800-plus yards and five touchdowns in his final two seasons at Virginia (2023-2024), and while his final season at Notre Dame (36-630-5) didn’t feature quite as much production, it’s worth pointing out that his routes run and targets both took major hits in Notre Dame’s run-heavy scheme. Fields’ size makes him a challenge for opposing defensive backs to bring down, which also helped him average 5.2 yards after the catch in his final two seasons. In addition to the physical traits Fields offers as a receiver, John Harbaugh will love his willingness to contribute in the running game, which could go a long way in earning him a meaningful role in a talent-depleted Giants receiver room.