Malachi Fields' draft rise puts Chiefs' philosophy in the spotlight

We all know the Chiefs have a type at wide receiver. Specifically, they want separators and YAC-centric players. The stereotype is that the Chiefs just draft tiny speedsters and don't want ball winners. While that has been true for the most part, the Chiefs actually have a stronger correlation to a certain metric at the Combine than just size.

Every receiver that Brett Veach has drafted ranks in the 93rd percentile or higher in the 10-yard split. This obviously translates to raw speed but also explosiveness. The Chiefs’ West Coast-centric offense is focused on getting players in space and allowing them to make plays with the ball in their hands. Getting up to speed quickly is important for yards after catch; explosiveness is a major factor for Chiefs receivers.

The question should be: is that what the Chiefs should do going forward? There's no question that explosiveness still matters, but it isn't everything—especially when you examine the results of what the Chiefs’ drafted wide receivers have done in the league. The Chiefs struggled against man coverage all year and had several key drops at the catch point. The Chiefs need to fill the gaps in their wide receiver room, and Malachi Fields can do just that.

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NFL Draft Profile: Malachi Fields, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame

Age: 22 (on draft day)

Height: 6-4 (verified)

Weight: 218 LBS. (verified)

Hands: 8.68 inches (verifed)

Arms: 32.48 inches (verified)

Tape Exposure: Miami (2025), Texas A&M (2025), Pitt (2025)

Shades of: Courtland Sutton

Malachi Fields' background

Fields attended Monticello High School in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he actually played quarterback in high school but was recruited as a receiver coming out. Fields was a three-star recruit who committed to Virginia in 2020. He started to find the field early as a freshman, playing alongside Malik Washington (drafted by the Dolphins). In his sophomore season, he received a medical redshirt after undergoing surgery to repair a broken metatarsal in his left foot. He ended up playing three full seasons at Virginia before entering the portal for his final year of eligibility.

As a transfer prospect, Fields was ranked as a four-star prospect and the No. 11 receiver in the portal. He eventually committed to Notre Dame. Fields completed his career with 1,849 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Looking at Malachi Fields' strengths

Frame and Play Strength

Fields has a verified 6-4, 218-pound frame, and he plays like it too. Strong at the line of scrimmage with the ability to play through contact at the catch point. His 50% contested catch rate ranked in the 71st percentile of all FBS receivers. He also ranks in the 96th percentile in catch rate, with only one drop in the 2025 season.

Body Control

Fields' ability to leap and contort helps him when balls are consistently in the air. His body control allows him to make several difficult catches at the sideline and go to the ground as well. He also displays some ability after the catch with a powerful frame.

Blocking

Fields' ability as a blocker was valued by the Irish; he was brought in on short yardage to help block. His blocking also makes him a prototypical X receiver who can live on the outside.

Breaking down Malachi Fields' weaknesses

Separation

Not a natural separator in the intermediate or deep portion of the field. His 46.4% separation score via PFF ranks in the 17th percentile of receivers. Despite having a very high average depth of target (16.4), this speaks to him as a ball winner but not as a field stretcher.

Lack of Speed

The top-end speed is not elite, and neither is the acceleration. He is not overly twitchy or shifty after the catch, either. Likely to be caught from behind at the next level.

Route Running

The routes Fields does run are fairly polished and nuanced, but he has not been asked to run a wide variety and lacks middle-of-the-field production. He is most often used on go routes, fades, and hitches.

What sort of value does Malachi Fields hold for the Chiefs?

Fields has already had a nice rise over this draft cycle. He was highlighted by several big voices in the draft community for his Senior Bowl performance. He has gone from a fringe day-two receiver to now appearing at the back end of first-round mock drafts. His rise isn't surprising given his body type, but there is reason for pause. His potential role feels closer to a high-end wide receiver three or low-end two—a red-zone weapon and a ball winner against man coverage.

Fields might be an option at pick 40. He does feel like a nice complement to what the Chiefs currently have, but not an answer to the long-term questions they have on their roster. The Chiefs could use a player like Fields; just not sure if that value is right at pick 40.

Malachi Fields is an X receiver with elite size, strength, and high-point skills. He's strong at the catch point and blocks well. With a 96th-percentile drop rate and 71st-percentile contested catch rate, he's got a nice profile, but limited burst, route nuance, and top speed versus man/press limit his ceiling.

Round Grade; Red Chip (Third-Round Grade)