NY Giants 2026 NFL Draft: Did New York overpay for Malachi Fields?

TL;DR

The New York Giants traded up to draft wide receiver Malachi Fields in the 2026 NFL Draft, giving up significant picks. Opinions on whether the trade was worth it vary, with some analytics suggesting they overpaid while others indicate they got good value.

Key points

Giants traded up to draft Malachi Fields in the 2026 NFL Draft
They gave up significant picks, including future fourth and fifth rounders
Opinions on the trade's value are mixed among analysts
Fields is compared to Plaxico Burress for his potential impact

Jaxson DartNew York GiantsMalachi Fields

Malachi Fields making a one-handed catch against Pittsburgh | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images This Saturday morning may feel like a bit of a hangover for New York Giants fans. We had fun last night, getting a borderline first-round prospect in Round 2 in cornerback Colton Hood and then moving up to Round 3 to draft a big wide receiver, Malachi Fields. Today, though, we’re paying the price, having to sit there and watch other teams improve for about three hours and only getting the crumbs of three Round 6 picks late in the afternoon. The question is whether the trade-up was worth it. The price seemed steep: This year’s fourth and fifth round picks plus next year’s fourth. The answer won’t be known for a few years. If Fields brings back memories of (pre-2008) Plaxico Burress, the answer will be yes. One way of looking at the question is to remember why the Giants didn’t have a third round pick in the first place. Of course that’s because they used it to trade up for Jaxson Dart in last year’s draft. So the trade-up can in some long-term sense be viewed as giving up a third, two fourths and a fifth for Dart and Fields. If last year was any indication, and if Fields becomes a solid piece in the offense, I think I’d take that deal. But there are objective ways of evaluating just this year’s trade-up. Interestingly, they give conflicting answers as to whether it was a good deal for the Giants or not. The immediate reaction to the price paid was negative, based on trade value charts…but it depends on which trade value chart you use. Doug Analytics had a dim view of it:

“The Giants are getting a 4th round comp pick next year” is not a valid defense of this trade

— Doug Analytics (@Doug\_Analytics) April 25, 2026 As you can see above, whether the Giants got good value or were fleeced by the Browns depends on which trade value chart you use. The traditional Jimmy Johnson and Rich Hill charts, which are thought to be the basis for how NFL teams actually value trades even though they clearly overemphasize high picks, grade the Giants as the winner (green) in the trade. More objective trade value charts based on historical performance of players see the Browns as being the clear winner in the trade, to the tune of receiving in effect an extra fourth round pick (No. 130, 106, or 118 depending on the chart used). BBV alumnus Invictus XI made the following point: The last three 4th rounders the Giants have drafted are: Cam Skattebo Theo Johnson Daniel Bellinger

So I would respectfully disagree that the picks the Giants gave up, especially that 2027 4th, "are just special teamers".

Q&A

What did the Giants give up to draft Malachi Fields?

The Giants traded this year's fourth and fifth round picks plus a fourth round pick in next year's draft to move up for Malachi Fields.

How does Malachi Fields compare to past Giants wide receivers?

Malachi Fields is being compared to pre-2008 Plaxico Burress, suggesting he has the potential to be a significant offensive asset.

Did the Giants overpay for Malachi Fields according to trade value charts?

Opinions vary; traditional trade value charts suggest the Giants won the trade, while more objective charts indicate the Browns received better value.

What are the expectations for Malachi Fields in the Giants' offense?

Fields is seen as a developmental piece with potential as a 'big slot' receiver, and his usage will be crucial to optimizing his skills.