Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters must initially deal with a numbers game. Without a second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the franchise needs to be even more diligent in its selections. Provided the team does not make any trades, they will have a 64-spot gap between their first-round selection at No. 7 and their next pick at No. 71. ESPN writer Matt Miller thinks that Peters and the Commanders will attack their pressing need at wide receiver.
“Without a second-round pick, the Commanders would wait until Round 3 to get a potential steal at wide receiver. Malachi Fields didn’t have elite college production, but the 6-foot-4, 218-pounder can win 50-50 balls and has the size to beat up defenders opposite the speedy Terry McLaurin.”
You have to double up at WR if you’re the Miami Dolphins
Target Makai Lemon at 11, and then acquire a true X WR like Malachi Fields using your insane 3rd round draft capital pic.twitter.com/m2R9qVEn4E
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) March 18, 2026
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Washington needs another wideout on the boundary. The team tried to fill that need last season with a trade for Deebo Samuel. Samuel posted his lowest yards-per-reception in his seven-year career with 10.7, which opened eyes.
Unfortunately, it was not for anything positive. Samuel feasted on the very short passes. According to Pro Football Focus, 35 of his 72 catches occurred at or behind the line of scrimmage. As a result, defenses creep up and tackle Samuel immediately after the catch with limited yards after the catch.
GettyMalachi Fields with a contested catch against Pitt during a 2025 game.
Ignoring the Stopwatch, Washington Could See Potential
Make no mistake, Fields is not what anyone would consider fast. In fact, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.61 seconds. Now, many would consider that an issue. However, for what Fields does on the field, straight-line speed does not seem like a requirement.
The Notre Dame product is a physical wideout who thrives in contact and contested-catch situations. Moreover, he will outjump defenders if he cannot outmuscle them. Under those circumstances, his worth grows, especially to a team that needs another outside threat.
Plus, after the catch, Fields should have adequate acceleration for a player of his size. Most importantly, there is no hiccup between catch and run.
It’s that time of year – draft time!
The #Giants are in the running for a WR early in the draft. Here’s #NotreDame WR Malachi Fields elevating over a defender for an acrobatic snag.
Fields spent 4 years with/ Virginia before ND. He will be at the Senior Bowl. pic.twitter.com/OL0vymDkve
— Nick Falato (@nickfalato) December 31, 2025
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Refining Receiving Skills Could Boost Fields
If the Commanders do draft Fields, they will need to rework his receiving palate. While he is a strong wideout, the route tree is not exactly the sharpest. For instance, he will round off routes, leaving yards of separation and shortening the routes. With intense drilling, the rookie can shake those bad habits.
Outside of the contested catch, Fields works well away from his frame. That is to say, his catch radius makes him an ideal target for throwing at various angles. Additionally, that arm length and reach can actually lead to drawing a holding or pass interference penalty on passes that barely touch his fingertips.
GettyMalachi Fields makes catches during the 2026 NFL Combine.
Fields’ Toughness Pays Benefits in the Running Game
Lost in the stopwatches is an underrated element that could make the Notre Dame product an intriguing pick. Fields uses his hands and positioning to pin down defenders on the run game. For example, on rushing plays in the alley between the tight end and wideout, you can see backs attempting to sneak through. With a bigger blocker like Fields, he will shield the defender, allowing the back to burst downfield. This also works for jet sweeps and RPO.
Fields may not be the most electric or explosive. However, through toughness, he could become the receiver the Commanders need.
Commanders Predicted to Select WR to ‘Beat Up Defenders Opposite Terry McLaurin