Over the past month, no Notre Dame player has done more to boost his NFL Draft stock than wide receiver Malachi Fields. And now, NFL analyst Todd McShay is the latest to spotlight the senior wideout as a rising name in draft conversations - and not just because of the numbers.
Yes, Fields’ analytical profile is impressive. But what’s really turning heads is the tape.
McShay described Fields as “an agile big-bodied vertical weapon who knows how to tempo his routes.” That combination of size, control, and explosiveness is rare - and it’s why McShay called his tape “intoxicating.”
He’s not wrong. Fields is starting to look like one of those prospects who’ll ignite serious debate in draft war rooms this spring.
And the buzz isn’t just coming from film study - Fields has been showcasing his skill set live, most notably during Senior Bowl practices. On Day 2 in Mobile, he delivered one of the standout moments of the week. The play started off rocky: Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green had a clean pocket but rushed the throw, letting it sail back and away from Fields, who had already created separation.
But this is where Fields' instincts and athleticism took over. He adjusted on the fly, cut back toward the middle of the field, and tracked the ball over his shoulder for a difficult, highlight-reel catch. It was the kind of play that doesn’t just show up on a stat sheet - it shows up on draft boards.
What makes Fields so intriguing is how much of his skill set went under the radar at Notre Dame. The Irish leaned heavily on their dominant run game, which meant Fields didn’t always get the volume of targets that other top receivers enjoy. But now that he’s in an environment where he can showcase the full range of his abilities - route tempo, body control, vertical threat potential - scouts are starting to see the complete picture.
Fields has the kind of frame that makes defensive backs uncomfortable - big enough to win contested catches, agile enough to create separation, and smart enough to manipulate defenders with subtle changes in pace. That’s a profile that fits in just about any NFL offense.
There’s still a long way to go before draft day, but one thing’s clear: Malachi Fields has put himself squarely in the conversation. Whether he ends up as a Day 2 steal or climbs even higher, he’s no longer flying under the radar. He’s forcing teams to take a closer look - and they’re liking what they see.