There has not been a Notre Dame player who has helped their NFL Draft stock this winter the way that Malachi Fields has. The wide receiver has, in fact, been so good in appearances such as the Senior Bowl that he's rocketed himself into first-round contention.
As far as what Fields hoped 2025 would hold, it appears it's been mission accomplished, starting with joining the Fighting Irish.
"I was hoping to boost my draft stock just playing on a bigger stage of football," he told NFL Network on Wednesday of his decision to play for Notre Dame. "I think I accomplished that goal in showing the world what I can do."
How Malachi Fields played his way into the first round at Notre Dame
"Fields, who recorded 36 receptions for 630 yards (17.5 yards per reception) and 5 TDs during the 2025 season, impressed onlookers once he went to the Senior Bowl. NFL.com's Lance Zierlein and Eric Edholm pegged him as one of the biggest standouts from the competition and practices.
ESPN's Matt Miller put out his latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft early on Monday morning, and it's excellent news for the Notre Dame wideout. Fields has now slid into the first round, joining running back Jeremiyah Love.
Miller believes that Fields will be the No. 32 selection by the Seattle Seahawks. "One of the biggest winners at the Senior Bowl, Fields parlayed a great week on top of a really strong career at Notre Dame to get into Round 1. Fields dominated defensive backs in Mobile with his size (6-foot-4, 218 pounds) and ability to win over the top. It reminded me of his game against Pitt last season, when he had seven catches for 99 yards and two scores."
"The Seahawks have an elite smaller receiver in Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but a physical presence like Fields on the outside would keep defenses from bracketing JSN in the slot or when he's aligned outside."
Should his first-round pick end up being accurate, it would be great news for Malachi Fields and also great news for Notre Dame as it looks to bolster its roster through recruiting. Every program loves to point to first-round picks as proof of concept.