Who Should I Start? Xavier Smith or Malachi Fields

Wednesday, July 22, 6:57 AM

With 14 wide receivers listed on their 90-man roster, the position battle between veterans and emerging youth will be one of the most intriguing to watch when the New York Giants hold their first training camp practice on July 30, but one player almost assured of a roster spot is 2026 third-round pick Malachi Fields. At 6'4" and 222 pounds, Fields offers a different body type from the rest of the group and could position himself for an early role on the outside and in the red zone. While his collegiate production never truly matched his rare physical abilities, he could provide a big-bodied target in critical situations as 2025 first-round pick Jaxson Dart prepares for his first full season as a starter. The Giants' passing offense is fully expected to run through Malik Nabers once he is back close to full strength following a devastating 2025 knee injury, but any missed time in training camp could provide Fields an extended opportunity to develop chemistry with Dart.