Kansas City is betting on Jalen Royals to evolve into a key piece of Patrick Mahomes’ passing arsenal.
Since trading away explosive playmaker Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins after the 2021 season, the Kansas City Chiefs have been searching for another game-changing receiver.
There have been glimpses of promise. Rashee Rice emerged as a reliable target across the middle before suffering a devastating knee injury, and first-round pick Xavier Worthy brings the kind of elite speed that once made Hill so dangerous. Still, Kansas City’s offense lacked that same firepower in 2024—and isn’t projected to recapture it in 2025.
To help address the void, the Chiefs selected Utah State receiver Jalen Royals in the fourth round of the draft. Expecting him to immediately fill the shoes of Hill—or even Rice—would be ambitious. But Royals has the tools to become a valuable option for quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
That hope is grounded in his impressive athleticism. He posted a 4.42-second 40-yard dash at 6 feet and 205 pounds, despite competing while recovering from an injury.
“I was recovering during that time,” Royals told Arrowhead Pride. “So to even go out there and compete with the top guys while still injured? It just shows a lot of effort and grit for me.”
Royals isn’t just a speedster, though. While Worthy profiles as the team’s primary deep threat, Royals’ athletic profile makes him capable of challenging defenses at every level. He’s also shown an ability to separate naturally from coverage.
“It’s a lot more movement,” he said. “You’re not just running in a straight line. You’re actually running routes and learning plays. The mental aspect comes with that, too.”
Before Royals can become a trusted option for Mahomes, he’ll have to learn head coach Andy Reid’s notoriously complex offense—a tall task for any rookie. Historically, few first-year receivers have made a significant impact in Kansas City’s system.
That said, early signs have been encouraging. According to Matt McMullen, Royals hauled in 10 catches during Sunday’s offseason workout session.
“It was very complex,” Royals said. “You’re dealing with Andy Reid, so it’s a very complex offense.”
Realistically, Royals is more likely to carve out a complementary role early on than become an instant breakout star. As a fourth-round pick, expectations are naturally tempered. Still, his versatility could prove valuable over time. The Utah State product has drawn attention from draft analysts for his upside, but unlocking his full potential may take time.
Leave a Reply