The Kansas City Chiefs, renowned for their savvy draft strategy and knack for uncovering hidden talent, stunned fans by selecting Jalen Royals, a wide receiver from Utah State, with the 133rd pick in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Though not a heavily hyped prospect heading into the draft, Royals is seen as a raw gem with immense potential in the hands of head coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach. Here are six shocking reasons why the Chiefs placed their faith in Royals:
1. Potential to Be the “Next Deebo Samuel” in Andy Reid’s System
Jalen Royals has drawn comparisons to Deebo Samuel from analysts, including Mike Jones of The Athletic, due to his versatility. Standing at 6 feet and weighing 205 pounds, Royals is not just a traditional receiver but can also serve as a ball carrier or return man. Coach Andy Reid, known for designing creative offensive schemes, seemingly views Royals as a perfect piece to craft explosive plays in the Chiefs’ offense. His ability to run diverse routes—short, intermediate, and deep—combined with positional flexibility makes Royals a unique weapon.
2. Exceptional Yards After Catch (YAC) Ability
One of Royals’ standout traits is his ability to generate yards after the catch (YAC). In the 2024 season, over 50% of his receiving yards came after the catch, showcasing his agility and knack for breaking tackles. The Chiefs, with quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ pinpoint passing, need a receiver who can turn short passes into explosive plays. Royals, with his long speed and elusiveness in open space, fits the bill perfectly. Stats show he ranked fifth in yards after contact among eligible D1 prospects.
3. Tremendous Value in Round 4
Despite being ranked as the 66th overall prospect and the 7th-best wide receiver in the 2025 class by CBS Sports, Royals slid to the fourth round, becoming the 18th receiver selected. This allowed the Chiefs to snag a top-tier talent at a significantly lower draft cost than expected. Chiefs scouting director Ryne Nutt even compared Royals to Rashee Rice, another successful Chiefs receiver, emphasizing that Royals has the potential to be a steal, much like other late-round Chiefs picks such as Trey Smith in the sixth round of 2021.
4. Synergy with Rashee Rice Creates a “Thunder and Lightning” Duo
Royals shares striking similarities with Rashee Rice in terms of physicality and play style, from their builds (both around 6 feet, 205 pounds) to their ability to make big plays after the catch. However, Royals is considered to have superior long speed, while Rice excels in short-area explosiveness. This combination has been described by analysts as “lightning-and-thunder,” promising to form a formidable receiver tandem in the Chiefs’ offense. With Rice returning from suspension, Royals adds depth and versatility to the receiving corps.
5. An Inspirational Journey from Obscurity to Stardom
Jalen Royals’ story is one of the highlights of the 2025 NFL Draft. A zero-star recruit overlooked by D1 programs, Royals took a detour through Georgia Military College before landing at Utah State. There, he erupted with 71 receptions, 1,080 yards, and 15 touchdowns in 2023, earning First-Team All-Mountain West honors. Despite a foot injury limiting his 2024 season, Royals still posted 55 receptions, 834 yards, and 6 touchdowns in just 7 games. His underdog journey and relentless drive align with the Chiefs’ culture of seeking highly motivated players.
6. Clutch Performance in Critical Situations
Royals is a red zone weapon, with 21 touchdowns in his final 20 games at Utah State. He boasts exceptional hands, agile body control, and reliability in contested catches. His sideline toe-tap catches, contested grabs, and in-air adjustments are considered WR1-caliber. With Travis Kelce and other receivers drawing defensive attention, Royals could become a dependable target for Mahomes in high-stakes moments.
Conclusion
The Kansas City Chiefs’ selection of Jalen Royals in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft is not just a strategic move but a high-upside gamble. With his versatility, elite YAC ability, draft value, synergy with Rashee Rice, inspiring journey, and knack for shining in the red zone, Royals could emerge as a surprise factor in the Chiefs’ quest to defend their crown. Under Andy Reid’s guidance and with Patrick Mahomes leading the charge, can Royals rise to stardom? Only time will tell, but for now, the Chiefs clearly see something special in the Utah State standout.