Rookie Malachi Fields Impresses during Giants Training Camp
Time seemed to stand still when Malachi Fields leaped to snag a pass over the middle during spring practice.
“It felt like he was defying gravity,” safety Jason Pinnock commented, reminiscing about Fields’ remarkable catch. “I was just waiting for him to land. He’s an incredible athlete, and his ball skills really shine through.”
At 6 feet 4 inches, the rookie has made several impressive 40-yard catches in training camp. However, since joining the Giants as a third-round pick, he’s also displayed a wider variety of routes beyond just sprinting for deep balls.
While veterans Darius Slayton, Darnell Mooney, and Calvin Austin seem to be the go-to options alongside top receiver Malik Nabors as the season approaches, Fields might soon become a significant target for quarterback Jackson Dart. His physicality could also help him contribute in blocking for running backs.
“The playbook is straightforward for him, which lets him concentrate on the action after the snap rather than beforehand,” remarked receivers coach Chad Hall. “This helps coaches because it means I’m not just going over theoretical concepts. From the snap to his release, and at the top of his routes, he’s improved a lot. We want him to become even more flexible and play lower.”
Fields is set to make his NFL preseason debut on Saturday against the Vikings, with his parents, wife, and son in attendance. His teammates are aware of the competitive challenge he’s up against.
“He maintains a strong connection with Jackson,” backup quarterback Jameis Winston noted. “He’s keen on understanding what it takes to excel. I believe having that mindset, focused on your passion, paves the way for success.”
Last season, the Giants ranked 11th in 20-yard receptions (52) and fifth in 40-yard receptions (11), despite Nabors missing the last 13 games due to injury.
Wan’Dale Robinson, the speedy receiver known for big plays, departed for the Titans in free agency, leaving Fields to showcase his own skills downfield.
What sets Fields apart from fellow third-round pick Jalin Hiatt, a touted deep threat who has struggled to find a spot on the roster, could be his underrated capacity to navigate the second level of defenses.
“Big plays are thrilling, but what’s crucial are the little things: the unseen blocks, third-and-four completions, all of that,” Fields expressed. “I think my other routes are gradually starting to gain recognition. If you can maneuver in and out of breaks and run shorter routes, you can still catch the ball 5-10 yards downfield instead of always aiming for a 50-yard throw.”
Hall stated that Fields, who previously played at both the University of Virginia and Notre Dame with an impressive average of 17.5 yards per catch last season, arrived with “technical issues” but quickly began addressing them. Although he dealt with an unnamed injury that limited his early participation in training camp, his progress has been commendable.
“The key word for him since arriving is ‘growth,'” Hall mentioned. “He dedicated a lot of time last summer to refining his game. He’s a big guy capable of protecting the red line downfield and giving the quarterback room. His height allows him to reach for the ball, which builds trust with the quarterbacks. He’s been making strides every day.”
Fields learns various techniques, like body maintenance and studying film from veterans in his position. Still, his 222-pound frame serves as a unique advantage as a weapon against defensive backs.
“You can’t always just bully someone on the field,” Fields commented. “If officials feel there’s a fight, they might not call a penalty, which could result in an incomplete pass. So, it’s important to use your legs effectively, work on your release, and leverage your body at the end while matching your route tempo. That’s how you really create separation, especially as a bigger guy.”
