The New York Giants on Friday traded back into the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, obtaining the 74th overall pick in a deal with the Cleveland Brwused their second-round pick. They used that pick to select Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields.
The Giants reportedly gave up their fourth- and fifth-round picks this year (Nos. 105 and 145), and a fourth-round pick next year in a deal with the Cleveland Browns to select Fields.
The Giants now have only three sixth-round picks remaining in this draft.
In his draft guide, Dane Brugler of The Athletic says:
A one-year starter at Notre Dame (and three-year starter overall), Fields was the boundary receiver in offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock’s scheme. A high school quarterback, he transitioned well to receiver at Virginia before transferring to the Irish for his final season in 2025. His targets and production took a nosedive with a freshman at quarterback (he didn’t record a 100-yard receiving game in 2025), although he produced several memorable plays.
Fields flashes both build-up speed and short-area juice, along with a go-and-get-it gear when the ball is in the air. He displays impressive reflexes at the catch point and deftly takes advantage of every inch of his frame to reel in throws. NFL coaches will like the way he uses his hands and feet to gain a step of separation out of breaks, although they will want to see him expand his route proficiency (there is a healthy amount of hitches and go routes all over his tape). Overall, Fields is a big-bodied receiver who presents a large target for his quarterback, using his athleticism and catch radius. He has the talent to be a solid No. 2 receiving option, and his game closely resembles that of Michael Pittman.
Round 1 (No. 5) — Arvell Reese, OLB, Ohio StateRound 2 (No. 10 … via Cincinnati Bengals) — Francis Mauigoa, OL, MiamiRound 2 (No. 37) — Colton Hood, CB, TennesseeRound 3 (No. 74 … via Cleveland Browns) — Malachi Fields, WR, Notre DameRound 6 (No. 186) —Round 6 (No. 192) —Round 6 (No. 193) —
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