Chiefs select versatile Utah State WR Jalen Royals in Round 4
Royals expected to immediately compete as a returner
After three straight picks on defense, the Chiefs went offense with their first pick on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Chiefs selected Utah State wide receiver Jalen Royals in the fourth round (133rd overall), a move that bolsters the position group.
Royals, who possesses 4.42 40-yard dash speed, totaled 126 catches for 1,914 yards and 21 touchdowns in his college career, averaging a healthy 15.2 yards per carry.
“His versatility, both inside and outside, and then the YAC (yards after catch) ability stands out and that was throughout his three years at Utah State,” Chiefs west regional scout Greg Castillo said after the selection. “He can separate with the short route, he can separate the intermediate route, too, so he’s got a ton of versatility.”
The 6-foot, 205-pound Royals also provides flexibility as a returner, totaling 184 yards on nine attempts.
Castillo said the team’s latest draft pick will have a chance to contribute on special teams.
“Around this round, they have to have some type of special teams value,” Castillo said. “And for Jalen, he does have the return ability, especially with the new kickoff return rules. He can definitely help us with that aspect, and he’ll be competing for that.”
Meanwhile, Royals joins a current crowded receiving group, which boasts Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Skyy Moore, among others.
But the Chiefs’ newest receiver looks forward to joining the team with a view to make an impact, especially knowing he will catch passes from quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
“It means a lot,” Royals said in a Zoom teleconference. “Maybe the best quarterback in the league, so just to catch passes from him is amazing.”
CHIEFS PREVIOUS PICKS
Round 1 (32nd overall): Ohio State LT Josh Simmons
Round 2 (63rd overall): Tennessee DT Omarr Norman-Lott
Round 3 (66th overall): Louisville DE Ashton Gillotte
Round 3 (85th overall): California CB Nohl Williams
One of my favorite picks