The Kansas City Chiefs made waves by selecting Jalen Royals, a wide receiver from Utah State, in the fourth round (pick 133) of the 2025 NFL Draft. With explosive speed, sharp route-running, and the potential to become a dangerous weapon in the Chiefs’ offense, Royals is expected to make a significant impact. Here are five shocking facts about this rookie that Chiefs fans need to know!
1. A Journey from Obscurity to the NFL
Jalen Royals was once an under-the-radar talent in high school. Hailing from Georgia Military Academy, he was a zero-star recruit, and Utah State was the only college to offer him a scholarship. Astonishingly, from being virtually unknown, Royals made a remarkable leap at Utah State, recording 71 receptions, 1,080 yards, and 15 touchdowns in the 2023 season, earning him All-Mountain West First Team honors. Royals’ rise from the bottom to the top is a testament to his perseverance and natural talent.
2. An Injury That Nearly Derailed His Final Season
Royals’ 2024 season at Utah State was supposed to be a springboard to a higher draft position, but a severe injury halted his momentum. He suffered a torn deltoid ligament in his foot in October, ending his season after just seven games. Despite this, Royals still managed 55 receptions, 834 yards, and six touchdowns, averaging an impressive 119.1 yards per game—enough to earn him All-Mountain West Second Team recognition. His rapid recovery, highlighted by a standout performance at the Senior Bowl and a 4.42-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, convinced the Chiefs to take a chance on him.
3. A “Clone” of Rashee Rice in the Chiefs’ System
Shortly after Royals was drafted, Chiefs scouting director Ryne Nutt compared him to Rashee Rice, one of the team’s key wide receivers. Royals is seen as having a similar playing style to Rice due to his yards-after-catch ability and versatility to play both outside and in the slot. With reliable hands, impressive tackle-breaking skills (forcing 17 missed tackles in 2024), and the speed to create big plays, Royals has the potential to become a “dual-threat” in both the passing and return games under the guidance of head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
4. Leading FBS in Big-Play Ability
One of Royals’ greatest strengths is his knack for making explosive plays. Over the past two seasons at Utah State, he recorded 10 receptions of 50+ yards, the most among all FBS players (the highest division of college football). In the 2023 season alone, Royals led the nation with seven touchdowns on receptions of 50+ yards. This ability makes him a legitimate threat to defenses, and the Chiefs could leverage Royals’ speed to add depth to an already star-studded receiving corps featuring Xavier Worthy and Hollywood Brown.
5. Surprisingly Undervalued on Draft Day
Despite being ranked by analysts from ESPN, The Athletic, and NFL.com as one of the top wide receivers available on Day 3 of the draft, Royals had to wait until pick 133 to hear his name called. Many experts believe that without his 2024 injury, Royals could have been a second- or third-round pick. Mike Renner of CBS Sports called him the Chiefs’ “best value pick”, noting that with 839 yards in just seven games, Royals could have led the nation in receiving yards had he played a full 13-game season. The Chiefs’ selection of Royals in the fourth round is widely seen as a steal for GM Brett Veach.
Conclusion: A Bright Future in Chiefs Kingdom
Jalen Royals may not have been a household name on draft day, but with his talent, grit, and the perfect environment at Kansas City, he has the potential to become a breakout star. Under Andy Reid’s coaching and with passes from Patrick Mahomes, Royals promises to thrill Chiefs fans in the 2025 season. Stay tuned to see if this rookie can turn these “shocking facts” into unforgettable moments on the field!