2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Malichi Fields, Barion Brown, CJ Daniel’s, Ted Hurst, Deion Burks

Malichi Fields (Virginia to Notre Dame)

Malichi Fields emerged as one of the College Footballs most improved receivers in 2025, showcasing consistent production and big-play ability after transferring from the Virginia program. The 6’4”, 218-pound boundary target became Notre Dames go-to red-zone weapon and deep threat, helping the Irish to a near playoff birth.

Key Stats (2025): 36 receptions, 632 yards, 5 touchdowns (17.5 avg/rec)

Strengths: Elite catch radius, strong hands in contested situations, smooth deep-ball tracking, physical after the catch for his size.

Weaknesses: Release can be slow against press, limited route variety outside vertical concepts, occasional concentration drops in traffic.

Draft Projection: Late 2nd to early 3rd round — Fields has WR2 starter upside in the right system and could rise quickly if he tests well at the Combine.

Barion Brown (Kentucky to LSU)

Barion Brown is one of the most electric athletes in this class, blending rare speed with return value and suddenness as a slot receiver. The 5’11”, 185-pound speedster was a home-run threat every time he touched the ball, often turning short passes into explosive gains while also serving as LSU’s primary return man.

Key Stats (2025): 52 receptions, 748 yards, 7 touchdowns (14.4 avg/rec) | 28 punt returns, 412 yards, 1 TD | 18 kick returns, 485 yards

Strengths: Elite top-end speed (sub-4.3 projection), outstanding YAC ability, explosive after contact, dynamic return threat.

Weaknesses: Route-running still developing, can be inconsistent as a hands catcher, struggles against physical press coverage.

Draft Projection: Mid-to-late 2nd round — Brown’s athletic traits give him Day 1 starter potential as a gadget/speed weapon, especially if he refines his route tree.

Ted Hurst (Georgia State)

Ted Hurst put together one of the most productive seasons in Sun Belt history in 2025, consistently winning with precise route-running and reliable hands. The 6’3”, 210-pound outside receiver was a chain-mover and red-zone threat, helping Georgia State to a breakout campaign.

Key Stats (2025): 71 receptions, 1004 yards, 6 touchdowns (14.1 avg/rec)

Strengths: Polished route runner, excellent body control, strong hands, reliable in traffic, good run blocker for his size.

Weaknesses: Lacks elite speed or burst, can be outmuscled by physical corners, limited YAC ability.

Draft Projection: Early-to-mid 3rd round — Hurst profiles as a dependable WR3/WR4 with immediate rotational value and possible WR2 upside in the right offense.

CJ Daniels (Liberty to LSU to Miami)

CJ Daniels transferred from Liberty to LSU to Miami and immediately became a reliable option for the Hurricanes. The 6’1”, 195-pound receiver brought polished route-running and sure hands, thriving in intermediate areas and as a chain-mover.

Key Stats (2025 at Miami): 50 receptions, 557 yards, 7 touchdowns (11.1 avg/rec)

Strengths: Clean route runner, reliable hands, excellent body control, strong against zone coverage, good short-area quickness.

Weaknesses: Lacks elite size or speed, struggles to separate against tight man coverage, limited deep threat.

Draft Projection: Late 3rd to early 4th round — Daniels offers immediate slot or Z-receiver value with low bust potential; could rise with a strong Combine and pre-draft process.

Deion Burks (Purdue to Oklahoma)

Deion Burks was one of the most dynamic slot receivers in the Big 12 in 2025, consistently creating after the catch and serving as a reliable chain-mover for Oklahoma’s high-powered offense. The 5’11”, 190-pound speedster brought explosiveness and playmaking ability in space.

Key Stats (2025): 57 receptions, 620 yards, 4 touchdowns (10.6 avg/rec) | 12 punt returns, 185 yards, 1 TD

Strengths: Elite quickness and burst, outstanding YAC ability, reliable hands, dynamic return threat, strong route savvy in the slot.

Weaknesses: Undersized for boundary work, struggles against physical press, limited contested-catch ability.

Draft Projection: Mid-to-late 3rd round — Burks projects as a high-end slot receiver and return specialist with Day 1 rotational upside in modern spread offenses.