MalachiFields

News: 20 hours agoFields appears on track to open the season as the Giants' No. 2 wide receiver after the team released Darius Slayton on Monday, Matt Iegros of USA Today reports.

Spin: Prior to his release, Slayton looked like the leading candidate to handle the perimeter role opposite Malik Nabers (knee). Those duties instead could fall to Fields, a third-round rookie out of Notre Dame. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 222 pounds, Fields drew positive buzz in training camp and the preseason for his physicality and ability to make plays downfield. The Giants still have veterans Darnell Mooney and Odell Beckham on hand to push for playing time, but Fields often took reps ahead of both players while Nabers was sidelined or limited to non-contact portions of practice for much of camp.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Fields was selected by the Giants in the third round of April's draft. One of the biggest and strongest receivers in this rookie class, Fields figures to work as a perimeter, vertical target in the pros (career 13.3 aDOT during 49 collegiate games). Fields, who dropped just seven passes in college, handled a target share of, at least, 20% and air yard share of, at least, 30% during each of his final three collegiate seasons (two at Virginia, one at Notre Dame). Fields will battle Darnell Mooney and Darius Slayton for New York's No. 2 receiver gig behind Malik Nabers. The rookie is a fine late-round flier.