Malachi Fields Draft Grade | Round 3, Pick 10 | FanVerdicts

A-

Top 13%Pick Grade

Pick Context

Market Value

Slight Value

Position

WR · Premium Position

Decision Grade reflects market consensus at the moment of the pick. Teams often have private information the consensus does not.

Scouting Report

Big Board Rank: #69 · Day 2 Value

Malachi Fields emerged as Notre Dame's go-to receiver over three productive seasons, developing from a promising slot option into a complete outside threat. The Virginia Beach native possesses exceptional route-running precision and reliable hands that made him quarterback Riley Leonard's favorite target in crucial situations. Fields combines sneaky athleticism with high football IQ, consistently finding soft spots in coverage and creating separation through technique rather than pure speed. His production peaked during his junior campaign where he torched top-tier ACC and independent competition, though questions remain about his ability to win consistently against press coverage and elite cornerback talent at the next level.

Strengths

+Exceptional route-running technique with precise stem work and crisp breaks that create consistent separation against zone coverage.

+Outstanding hands and catch radius allow him to secure passes outside his frame and make difficult catches look routine in traffic.

+High football IQ shows in his ability to find soft spots in zone coverage and sit down in holes between linebackers and safeties.

+Excellent body control and balance enable him to make contested catches while maintaining awareness of sideline and end zone boundaries.

+Reliable possession receiver who rarely drops catchable balls and has shown ability to make clutch catches in pressure situations.

+Deceptive acceleration allows him to create separation on intermediate routes and gain yards after catch against flat-footed defenders.

+Shows good awareness as a run blocker and willingness to engage in the dirty work despite his slight frame.

+Versatile route tree includes effective work from slot, outside, and even some motion packages that highlight his football intelligence.

+Tracks the ball well on deep routes and shows ability to adjust to back-shoulder throws and poorly placed passes.

+Competitive toughness shows up in his willingness to work over the middle and absorb hits from linebackers and safeties.

+Good release package includes effective use of hand placement and subtle pushes to avoid press coverage at the line of scrimmage.

Weaknesses

Lacks elite top-end speed to consistently separate from faster cornerbacks on vertical routes and may struggle against press coverage.

NFL Comparison: Adam Thielen

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