Two former Notre Dame players are getting the opportunity to improve their draft stock at the Panini Senior Bowl this week in practices and in the game this upcoming weekend. While defensive back Jalen Stroman is still trying to make an impact, wide receiver Malachi Fields has already started turning heads.
Fields, who spent four years at Virginia before spending his final year of eligibility with the Irish, was named as a Day 1 standout at the Senior Bowl, according to Pro Football Focus. Field was the only receiver to be named to this standout's list, and if he is already catching the eyes of scouts on Day 1, he certainly can do even more in the coming days.
Day 1 Senior Bowl Standouts 📈 pic.twitter.com/9MKbQSrjtv
— PFF (@PFF) January 28, 2026
Fields was short of being Notre Dame's leading receiver by 10 yards, but he also found the end zone five times in the 2025 season. For being a newcomer to the Irish this season, Fields made himself comfortable in a Notre Dame offense that relied more on the run than anything else with running back Jeremiyah Love.
Looking at Fields draft stock right now, he is projected to be a late second-day guy somewhere in the third round, but could also go early in the third day sometime in the fourth round. However, with the way he is performing in practices at the Senior Bowl, he could solidify himself as a Day 2 guy and maybe even work his way into the second round.
For NFL teams that need a solid WR2, Fields could be a perfect option for them. It would take the pressure off of having to be the top guy, but he can also get solid work in and be able to develop comfortably in the NFL.
Fields will get a chance to play live in the Senior Bowl on Saturday, January 31, at 2:30 p.m. in Birmingham, Alabama. The game will be televised on NFL Network.