The Cleveland Browns didn’t just have a rough year on offense in 2025 - they were historically bad. Finishing 30th overall on offense and 31st in passing, Cleveland’s air attack never got off the ground.
A big reason? The team leaned heavily on two rookie quarterbacks for most of the season.
But let’s be honest - even Patrick Mahomes would’ve struggled with this receiver room.
By the end of the season, the Browns’ wide receiver unit ranked dead last in the NFL. That’s 32nd out of 32 teams.
And it wasn’t a one-off - they were 31st the year before. When your leading pass-catcher is a tight end, that’s not just a red flag - it’s a blaring siren.
The Browns need help, and they need it fast.
So, what’s the fix? Cleveland has two real options: spend big in free agency for a proven veteran or invest heavily in April’s NFL Draft. And if they go the draft route, one name that’s starting to pick up serious steam is Malachi Fields - the 6-foot-4, 222-pound wideout who turned heads at the 2026 Senior Bowl.
Fields, who played his college ball at Virginia before transferring to Notre Dame, was arguably the most impressive receiver in Mobile this week. The defensive line and wide receiver groups were the standouts at the event, and Fields was the clear alpha among the pass-catchers. He’s not a WR1 - at least not yet - but he’s got all the tools to be a high-end WR2 right out of the gate.
Let’s talk about the profile. Fields brings size, length, and an impressive college résumé: 165 receptions, 2,479 yards, 19 touchdowns, and an eye-popping 17.5 yards per catch. That kind of production speaks to his ability to stretch the field and make big plays - something Cleveland’s offense sorely lacked last season.
He’s the type of player who could step in and contribute immediately under new head coach Todd Monken. Or, if the Browns want to take the slow-play route, he could sit and develop behind a veteran.
Either way, Fields has the traits to make an impact in 2026. His catch radius alone is elite - we’re talking about a guy who can go up and get it in traffic and win those 50/50 balls on the boundary.
We caught up with Fields during practice week in Mobile, and he gave us a glimpse into the mindset and work ethic that have helped him rise up draft boards.
On what he needs to improve:
Fields knows he’s got the physical tools, but he’s focused on refining the details - building confidence, sharpening his footwork, and becoming more consistent in his route execution.
“Doing box drills, focusing on getting out in three steps,” he said. It’s that attention to detail that separates the guys who flash in practice from the ones who produce on Sundays.
On transferring from Virginia to Notre Dame:
Fields made the move to boost his draft stock and prove himself on a bigger stage.
“I definitely accomplished that,” he said. “Being that dog with the goal to show I can go up for contested catches and make the big plays down the field.”
Mission accomplished.
On creating separation:
He’s confident in his ability to get open, but he’s not satisfied.
“There are things I definitely can do better, especially when you’re up against the best,” he said. “Here this week at the Senior Bowl, they brought in some of the best defensive backs, and I’ve shown I’m a top receiver and a good technician.”
He’s working on the nuances - getting back to the quarterback, using leverage, timing his breaks. It’s all part of the plan.
On using his size to win:
Fields is a physical mismatch for most corners.
He uses his frame to shield defenders and high-point the football. “I try to be first off the ground and get that good first step to snatch the ball out of the air,” he said.
“When the ball’s in the air, I’m not waiting for it to drop down - I’m going up at its highest point and attacking it.” That’s the mentality you want in a boundary receiver.
On blocking downfield:
He doesn’t just care about the catches - he takes pride in doing the dirty work, too.
“Picking up a key block can spring a runner for a touchdown,” he said. “Missing my block can make it a minimal gain instead.”
That’s the kind of accountability that coaches love.
On learning from NFL coaches at the Senior Bowl:
Fields has already started adapting to the pro game.
“Mainly where to line up, getting the call, and getting back to the huddle fast,” he explained. “It comes from signals to huddling every play.
It’s a bit of a shift.” The learning curve is steep, but Fields is embracing it.
On his late start in football:
Interestingly, Fields didn’t grow up playing football year-round.
He sees that as both a challenge and a blessing. “I’m a fast learner and love to play,” he said.
“I trust the process, and I’m patient.” That patience - and his willingness to be coached - could serve him well at the next level.
Off the field:
Fields is a fascinating guy.
He’s an avid angler and, believe it or not, a snapping turtle hunter. Yes, really.
He grew up fishing with his dad and brother in Charlottesville, and over the years, developed a knack for catching turtles - safely, of course. “The trick is to never put any part of your body near his head,” he said, laughing.
His first catch? A 25-to-30-pounder.
He’s also a big-time gamer. Apex, Fortnite, Call of Duty, Rocket League - you name it, he’s played it.
He’s even into PGA Tour 2K. “I’ve won two majors,” he said, “but not the Masters.”
And don’t forget the multi-sport background. Fields ran track, played basketball and baseball, and did just about every event in track and field.
His best events? Long jump and triple jump - no surprise for a guy who skies over defenders for a living.
Bottom line:
Malachi Fields isn’t a finished product, but he’s a high-upside receiver with the size, athleticism, and mindset to thrive in the NFL. For a Browns team desperate for playmakers on the outside, he could be a perfect fit - whether that’s on Day 1 or as a developmental piece with big-time potential.
Cleveland has a lot of work to do to fix its passing game. Fields may not be the whole solution, but he’s the kind of player who can be a key part of it.