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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 27: Director of scouting Eliot Wolf of the New England Patriots speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 27, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The 2026 NFL draft is almost here, and the New England Patriots have been linked to several potential targets. Mock draft season is in full swing, and The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner projected that the Patriots would use their 63rd overall selection on Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields.
The Patriots have been linked to a variety of draft picks over the past couple of days. Most recently, the organization was projected to select Georgia Bulldogs star defender CJ Allen. Now, we are seeing some selections in the back half of the drafts, and Fields could be an option for the Patriots at No. 63.
Fields Could Be Playmaker For Patriots
Fields began his career at Virginia, where he made an impact his freshman year. He played 11 games and recorded 11 receptions for 172 yards, averaging 15.6 yards per catch. He was a true freshman contributor and showed what he could do almost right away. 2022 saw him take a medical redshirt as he was dealing with a foot injury. The playmaker caught a pass for 5 yards and a touchdown.
Fields focused on getting healthy in 2023, and he was able to bounce back in a big way. He played in 12 games and recorded 58 catches for 811 yards and five touchdowns. He was an All-ACC Honorable Mention for his play. It was more of the same from the following at Virginia, as the 2024 season had him record 55 catches for 808 yards and five touchdowns. Fields was named to the All-ACC Third-Team for his efforts.
His final collegiate season saw him transferred to Notre Dame. He was able to perform on one of the biggest stages in the country. He recorded 36 catches for 630 yards and five touchdowns. In addition, he was able to show off his playmaking ability. He led the team in yards per catch with 17.5 on the year. Fields was a major part of what was an explosive Notre Dame offense last season.
Patriots Doing Homework At Wide Reciever Position
The Patriots have been doing homework at the wide receiver position. They have hosted several wide receivers on top-30 visits, including Texas A&M standout K.C Concepción. It’s clear that wide receiver is a need for the organization.
With that being said, the wide receiver position would look a lot different for the Patriots should they be able to acquire A. J. Brown this summer. At that point, the wide receiver room will undoubtedly look different. However, the drafting of fields seems like a best-case scenario should Brown not be coming to the Patriots.
Whatever the case may be, the receiver room will be interesting to watch develop. The Patriots have different directions they can go in, and they have a bona fide starting quarterback in Drake Maye. Surrounding their quarterback with playmakers ultimately is the smartest decision, and now they have a chance to make that decision here.
The Patriots undoubtedly exacerbated their rebuild with a Super Bowl appearance this past February. Now, it’s about continuing to add depth and making sure they have enough to continue to stay at the top of the AFC.