Hey Nerds! Welcome to the Dynasty Nerds 2026 Rookie Profile Series, where we break down the top prospects from the upcoming NFL Draft using the All-22 Film, production data, and dynasty-specific context.
This profile focuses on Malachi Fields, a dynamic wide receiver prospect out of Notre Dame. Using the Dynasty Nerds Film Room, we’ll examine Fields’ background, on-field strengths, areas for development, and projected dynasty outlook in 12-Team SuperFlex PPR formats.
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Malachi Fields | Wide Receiver | Notre Dame
Height: 6’4’’
Weight: 223 lbs
Malachi Fields was a three-star prospect out of Monticello High School. He committed to the University of Virginia for the 2021 season but got off to a slow start, seeing limited playing time as a true freshman. His development was further delayed when he suffered a foot injury in the spring of 2022, causing him to miss most of his sophomore season.
Over his final 2 seasons at Virginia, Fields delivered steady production, totaling over 800 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns. In 2024, he emerged as the team’s top receiving option, leading the Cavaliers in both receiving yards and touchdowns. After being granted a fifth year of eligibility, Fields transferred to Notre Dame, where he finished second on the team in receiving yards as the Irish posted a 10–2 record. His strong 2024 campaign earned him Third-Team All-ACC honors.
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Rookie Profile | Strengths and Weaknesses
Malachi Fields offers NFL teams elite size with just enough long speed to be a downfield threat. He brings strong hands and an expansive catch radius, allowing him to win in contested situations. While he isn’t a twitchy separator, Fields can still create yards after the catch through strength, balance, and physicality. On film, he flashes the ability to make highlight-reel grabs and provides additional value as a high-effort, upside blocker, giving him a well-rounded skill set at the next level.
Fields is not a complete receiver, as his initial burst off the line is slow and limits his ability to consistently separate early in routes. He lacks true explosiveness to be a primary vertical threat, but once he gets past a defender, he has enough long speed to sustain downfield momentum. Fields remains an inconsistent player overall and will require coaching refinement at the next level. His inconsistency in contested catch situations and limited separation ability raise concerns about whether he can reliably develop into a true top-two receiving option on an NFL roster.
Upside: physical outside receiver with DK Metcalf–lite traits.
Floor: situational deep and blocking wide receiver similar to D’Onte Thornton.
Malachi Fields | All-22 Film Breakdowns
One of the greatest benefits of a Nerd Herd subscription is access to our All-22 Film Room, where you can study prospects like Malachi Fields for yourself.
One game that stands out on film is Fields vs. Pitt, where he finished with 99 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. In that matchup, Fields consistently shows up as a strong blocker, making key plays in the run game that helped it succeed against Pitt’s defense. About halfway through the film, he hauls in an impressive touchdown, displaying excellent ball skills and the ability to adjust to the football in the air. Around the 7:47 mark, Fields flashes his hand strength, securing a tough catch near the sideline while working out of bounds—still a difficult grab despite the lack of a completion. Overall, Fields shows the traits to become a reliable red-zone weapon for an NFL offense.
Draft Capital | Potential Landing Spots
It will likely take a strong pre-draft process to push Malachi Fields into Day 2 consideration, but he currently projects more likely as a Day 3 selection. If he falls into that range, a team like the Cleveland Browns could make sense, as they could use additional size on the outside. Cedric Tillman has flashed but has yet to consistently establish himself as a long-term option. Fields could compete to fill a rotational role and potentially develop into one of the team’s primary outside receivers.
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🧠 People Also Ask About Malachi Fields
Who is Malachi Fields and why is Malachi Fields a top NFL Draft prospect?
A: Malachi Fields is a big-bodied wide receiver from Notre Dame known for his size, catch radius, and physical play style. His production at Virginia and Notre Dame, combined with red-zone ability and blocking effort, makes him an intriguing NFL Draft prospect.
What is Malachi Fields’ projected NFL Draft range?
A: Malachi Fields currently projects as a Day 3 NFL Draft selection, with an outside chance to push into Day 2 depending on his pre-draft process and team evaluations.
Is Malachi Fields a good dynasty fantasy football rookie pick?
A: Malachi Fields profiles as a developmental dynasty rookie with upside in deeper formats, especially for managers looking to add size and red-zone potential at wide receiver.
What NFL teams are the best potential landing spots for Malachi Fields?
A: A team like the Cleveland Browns stands out as a potential fit, where Fields could compete for a rotational role and develop as an outside receiver alongside an unsettled depth chart.
