The Pittsburgh Steelers got to see this year's talented group of wide receivers work out at the NFL Combine on Saturday, and it's highly likely one, if not two, of them will end up in Black and Gold following the 2026 NFL draft. With a major need for receivers to play with DK Metcalf, general manager Omar Khan and the rest of the Steelers brass need to determine who they want to target in April.
One name that has been gaining steam in draft circles is Notre Dame's Malachi Fields. The Steelers had a formal meeting with him earlier in the week, and he has been linked to Pittsburgh as a potential X receiver who can allow Metcalf to move around the field.
Unfortunately for Fields, his Combine workout left a lot to be desired. His 4.61 40-yard dash was the slowest among the first group of receivers, and his on-field performance in the drills was up-and-down at best. His game isn't predicated on speed, but his overall profile is hard to consider before the third round.
Pittsburgh Steelers GM Omar Khan should be out on Malachi Fields at his current draft projection
Fields has been getting mocked in the early second round, according to NFL Mock Draft Database, steadily climbing ever since a strong showing at the Senior Bowl. That would mean Khan may need to move up from pick 53 if he wanted to select him. His skill set is a straightforward one: big-body, contested catch artist with solid overall athletic ability.
However, his 4.61 40 time is not a surprise to those who have watched his film from his final season. He lacks the quick-twitch ability and overall explosiveness to run away from defenders, instead needing to win using his size (6'4", 218 pounds) and catch radius to outmaneuver opponents at the catch point.
While that is a valuable trait to possess in the NFL, where coverage will only get tighter for these receivers, you need more than just that if you want to be a consistent part of an offense. Just look at a player Steelers fans are very familiar with: George Pickens.
Pickens came into the NFL in 2022 and was immediately one of the best spectacular catch artists in the league, but his ability to run after the catch and improve his route running is why he became an All-Pro in Dallas last season.
Fields simply doesn't have the athletic traits to add those elements to his game, so he will need to be dominant as that pure ball-winner at the next level. Considering the Steelers' need for more well-rounded playmakers to complement Metcalf, I wouldn't consider Fields until late on Day 2 of the draft at the earliest if I were Khan.