New York Giants wide receiver Malachi Fields turned heads in his NFL preseason debut, ranking among the highest-graded rookies after Week 1, per Pro Football Focus metrics.
The third-round pick out of Notre Dame checked in at No. 11 overall with a 90.3 grade, the best mark among all Giants players in the 13-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Fields made an impact on just 10 receiving snaps against the Minnesota Vikings, catching three passes for 34 yards and a touchdown while averaging 3.40 yards per route run. He also showcased one of his best traits coming out of the draft, with two of his three receptions coming on contested catches.
Fields' efficiency and contested-catch ability stood out in limited opportunities, which also helped him earn
a spot on PFF's Rookie Team of the Week.
Fellow first-year player Arvell Reese also delivered a standout performance. The fifth-overall selection and linebacker posted an 88.2 grade, the highest among all 2026 first-round rookies in Week 1 of the preseason.
Reese was the story of Week 1 among this class. He played all 12 of his snaps off the ball against the Vikings and dominated the reps he got, earning an 82.4 PFF run-defense grade with two tackles and a stop while missing none.
Reese's physical presence against the run immediately validated the decision to select him high in the draft. Both rookies provided encouraging early returns as the Giants evaluate their 2026 class under head coach John Harbaugh.
Fields and Reese's strong opening outings offer positive momentum heading into the remainder of the preseason.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants' Malachi Fields among highest-graded rookies in Week 1 of preseason
