The New York Giants opened the preseason with a 13-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. While preseason results don’t count toward the regular-season record, these games offer an important opportunity to evaluate rookies and other young players in live game action. Despite the loss, several Giants players delivered standout performances that could give fans reason to be optimistic heading into the regular season. One of those players was rookie wide receiver Malachi Fields.
Fields Had a Strong First Showing
New York traded up in the third round of the draft to select the Notre Dame receiver. That shows how much they believe in him and his potential to play a major role in the offense. In his first game, Fields flashed his abilities and why he was worth giving up additional draft capital to get.
On their second offensive possession, Big Blue found themselves in the red zone with a chance to tie the game at three or take the lead. On a second down at the Minnesota 15-yard line, Fields ran a crossing route over the middle but wasn’t open. As quarterback Jaxson Dart rolled to his left, Fields got past his defender and ran towards the left corner of the end zone. Dart gave the rookie a chance, and he jumped over the linebacker to haul in the catch for his first career touchdown.
Fields finished the day with three catches for 34 yards to go along with his touchdown. He demonstrated his reliable hands, something he was known for in college. In his final season at Notre Dame, he had just one drop on 62 targets. That equates to an incredibly low 1.6% drop rate. Fields also had a tackle on special teams and a key block on a Cam Skattebo run. He can contribute to the game in more ways than just catching the ball.
Head coach John Harbaugh spoke very highly of the rookie in his post-game press conference. “I thought he played all around really well. He blocked exceptionally well in the run game as a wide receiver in some of those insert blocks and going to get to safeties and things like that, tremendously. Even when he didn’t get the ball, he ran the routes correctly. Right depths, right amount of steps, right splits. He didn’t play like a rookie out there. ”
That’s great to hear from a veteran coach about a player who just played his first professional game.
He Could Become the Wide Receiver No. 2
Star receiver Malik Nabers participated in team drills for the first time during training camp. Barring any setbacks, he should be able to play in Week 1. When on the field, Nabers is the Giants’ unquestioned number one wide receiver. However, the second starting receiver job is up for grabs, and Fields has a legitimate chance to win it.
On Big Blue’s first unofficial depth chart, veteran Darius Slayton was listed as a starter. They signed Darnell Mooney, Calvin Austin, and Odell Beckham Jr, but those guys might be better as complementary options. Slayton struggled last season, with just 37 catches, 538 yards, and one touchdown. Drops have been an issue for Slayton throughout his career. He had six drops last season and has had other key dropped passes in previous seasons.
This is where Fields has a major opportunity. His hands are much more reliable than Slayton’s, and he can be an asset in the run game and on special teams. With his 6-foot-4 frame and contested catch abilities, Fields can be a huge weapon for New York in the red zone. They have been missing a tall, physical presence at receiver, which is why they got Fields. If he continues playing well in the preseason and building a rapport with Dart, Fields can become the Giants’ number two wide receiver once the regular season starts.
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