The New York Giants have their share of freakish rookies at training camp this summer, most notably first-round picks linebacker Arvell Reese and right guard Francis Mauigoa.
One other rookie is balling out as well. Third-round pick Malachi Fields, a 6-foot-4 wide receiver who possesses a wide range of skills. Many who cover the team up close believe that Fields will play a prominent role as a rookie this year.
The Giants have Fields listed as a third-stringer as they head into this week’s preseason opener against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium. It may not be long before Fields wins over Giants fans. He’s already won over his veteran teammates.
“Ball skills,” safety Jason Pinnock said when asked his early impressions of Fields. “Like, if I had to say one glaring thing, is ball skills. He caught a dagger, like a dig, over the middle early, and this was OTAs, and it was like, he was just levitating. I was kind of just waiting for him to come down. So, nah, he’s a freak. Freak athlete.”
“I’ve been very impressed with Malachi and the things that he’s doing. He’s definitely a great young player,” said backup quarterback Jameis Winston.
Winston was asked what makes Fields a great young player.
“I just think his hunger, man, coming in day in and day out to get better. He has a great rapport with Jaxson (Dart). Man, he’s curious. He’s curious about what is required to be the best. And I think when you have that mindset, when you focus on what you love, it’s a setup for success,” Winston said.
Fields will get his opportunity to flash again on Saturday against the Vikings, where he should see a good amount of playing time alongside Wilson and third-string quarterback Brandon Allen.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants’ Malachi Fields winning over teammates: ‘He’s a freak athlete’
Reporting by John Fennelly, Giants Wire / Giants Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By John Fennelly, Giants Wire | USA TODAY Network
