How Has This Former Utah State Receiver Emerged as a Weapon in the Chiefs Offense?
The Kansas City Chiefs may have found another late-round steal at wide receiver. Throughout training camp, one young wideout has consistently turned heads with his athleticism, reliable hands, and sharp route running. He has made big plays in seven-on-seven drills, shown toughness in full team periods, and looked like a player well beyond his years. On a team looking for fresh playmakers at the position, his rise could not have come at a better time.
That rising star is Jalen Royals. A fourth-round pick out of Utah State, Royals entered camp flying under the radar, but has quickly changed that narrative. He has been explosive off the line, getting open with ease, and making tough catches in traffic. Coaches have praised his work ethic and attention to detail, and it is already earning him meaningful reps with the first team offense. With every practice, the Royals are making it harder for the staff to keep him off the field.
Even Patrick Mahomes has taken notice. Royals is starting to earn looks from the Chiefs quarterback, a sign of growing trust and chemistry. Whether it is winning one-on-one matchups or finding soft spots in zone coverage, the Royals have shown a knack for getting open. His versatility in lining up both outside and in the slot makes him even more valuable in Kansas City’s creative offense. If he keeps this up, he could be a real contributor earlier than expected.
Training camp is far from over, and the preseason will offer another chance to prove himself. Still, what the Royals have shown so far has been nothing short of impressive. On a team that has found major success with mid and late-round receivers in the past, Jalen Royals might be the next breakout story. The Chiefs' offense could be adding another dangerous option to its arsenal. Royals is quickly becoming a player that fans and coaches alike are excited to watch when the lights come on this fall. His growth has been steady, his confidence is just rising, and his potential role in this offense is getting bigger each day. With Rashee Rice potentially facing suspension and Marquise Brown’s injury history, there is a legitimate chance Royals is getting meaningful snaps at the beginning of the season.
