The Kansas City Chiefs' decision to draft Jalen Royals in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft was driven by his exceptional playmaking abilities and explosive traits. Royals, a standout wide receiver from Utah State, caught the Chiefs' attention with his impressive college stats: 21 touchdowns and a 15.2-yard per catch average over his final two seasons.

Similarities to Rashee Rice

Chiefs' director of player personnel, Ryne Nutt, highlighted the similarities between Royals and their leading wide receiver, Rashee Rice. "His game is very similar to Rashee's," Nutt said. "He's got big hands, strong hands, and he's very good after the catch." This comparison is significant, especially considering Rice's impact before his knee injury last season.

Key Attributes

Royals' 4.40-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine showcased his speed, a critical factor for the Chiefs' offense. His strength and route-running abilities further solidified his appeal. "[Run after the catch] is a big part of our offense," Nutt added. "We look for speed, strength, and route running in our receivers."

Immediate Impact Potential

Despite a veteran group of wide receivers, including Hollywood Brown, Xavier Worthy, and JuJu Smith-Schuster, Royals has the potential to make an immediate impact. Greg Castillo, the Chiefs' western regional scout, emphasized Royals' versatility: "He can separate with the short route and he can separate with the intermediate route. He's got a ton of versatility."

Addressing Last Season's Shortcomings

The Chiefs struggled with big passing plays last season, partly due to Rice's injury. Royals' ability to turn short passes into long gains could fill this gap. "Just trying to add a couple yards after the catch has definitely been a factor in my game," Royals said. "I played running back growing up. I'm used to getting yards after contact."

Strategic Draft Pick

The Chiefs didn't initially plan to draft a wide receiver but couldn't pass up the opportunity when Royals was available in the fourth round. "We watched his tape before the Senior Bowl and thought, 'Hey, this guy's kind of interesting,'" Nutt recalled. "Then he goes to the combine and runs a 4.40, and we're like, 'Oh, this kid's explosive.'"

With Rice's return from injury, the Chiefs hope Royals can step in and contribute significantly, adding depth and versatility to their receiving corps.