The Kansas City Chiefs needed to add a pass-catcher during the 2025 NFL draft, and elected to wait until Round 4 to select Utah State Aggies wide receiver Jalen Royals, who may prove to be one of the most underrated prospects in his class.
Though a foot injury may have affected his draft stock, Royals was ultra-productive as a collegian and should be expected to push for playing time in a rotational role next season.
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Take a look at everything the Chiefs had to say about Royals in their official draft packet:
Jalen Royals college bio
Sep 30, 2023; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Utah State Aggies wide receiver Jalen Royals (1) runs the ball for a touchdown against the UConn Huskies in the second half at Rentschler Field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
“Spent three seasons at Utah State (2022-24)… Appeared in 32 games (21 starts) and recorded 126 catches for 1,914 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns… His 21 receiving touchdowns rank third all-time in school history… Recorded 55 receptions for 834 yards and six touchdowns in 2024… Spent one season at Georgia Military College (2021)… Recorded seven catches for 92 yards and two touchdowns… Was named the Senior Bowl and Shrine Bowl Offensive Player of the Week … Second-team All-Mountain West (2024)… College Football Network third-team All-American (2023)… First-team All-Mountain West (2023)… Academic All-Mountain West (2022).”
Jalen Royals personal notes
Sep 30, 2023; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Utah State Aggies wide receiver Jalen Royals (1) is congratulated after his touchdown catch against the UConn Huskies in the second half at Rentschler Field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Had 26 catches for 455 receiving yards and four touchdowns during his senior season at Hillgrove High School (Ga.).
Was an all-state high jumper and placed sixth at the 7A state track and field championships.
Jalen Royals draft notes
Sep 30, 2023; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Utah State Aggies wide receiver Jalen Royals (1) makes the catch against UConn Huskies defensive back D’Mon Brinson (3) in the second quarter at Rentschler Field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City has selected fourteen wide receivers in the fourth round with the addition of Royals.Prior to his selection, the franchise drafted WR Jehu Chesson (2017, Michigan), WR DemarcusRobinson (2016, Florida), RB/WR De’Anthony Thomas (2014, Oregon), WR Devon Wylie (2012,Fresno State), WR Will Franklin (2008, Missouri), WR Craphonso Thorpe (2005, Florida State),WR Samie Parker (2004, Oregon), WR Larry Parker (1999, USC), WR Fred Jones (1990,Grambling), WR J.R. Ambrose (1988, Mississippi), WR Chas Fox (1986, Furman), WR RonWashington (1981, Arizona State) and WR Andy Hamilton (1972, Louisiana State) in the fourthround.
Royals becomes the first wide receiver to be selected by the Chiefs in the fourth round since WRJehu Chesson was taken 139th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft.
The selection of Royals marks the second year in a row where the Chiefs have drafted anoffensive player in the fourth round following the selection of TE Jared Wiley out of TCU withthe 131st pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Royals was the 19th wide receiver taken overall and the fifth wide receiver taken in the fourthround of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Royals is the first Utah State Aggie to be selected during the 2025 NFL Draft and the only formerAggie on the current Chiefs roster.
What did Royals have to say after the Chiefs picked him?
BOISE, ID – OCTOBER 5: Wide receiver Jalen Royals #1 of the Utah State Aggies catches a long touchdown pass during the first half against the Utah State Aggies at Albertsons Stadium on October 5, 2024 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images)
Q: What has your experience been like during this draft, and the excitement about being drafted by theChiefs?
ROYALS: “It’s been crazy. Hearing all the names being called (and) passing me, then to hear my name inthe fourth round. It was an amazing call and just a blessing itself.”
Q: You’ve had an interesting journey to the NFL – what has been your driving force?
ROYALS: “Just my why. Making it to the NFL has been a lifelong dream. Playing from JUCO and grindingthere, then getting an offer to Utah State and grinding there. Now, I’m a Chief. Grinding has been my whyright there.”
Q: How excited are you to be a part of this Andy Reid offense and everything they’ve been able to dohere?
ROYALS: “I’m super excited. They’ve shown that they can be the best offense in the league year in andyear out. I’m extremely excited.”
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Everything fans need to know about Chiefs’ Round 4 pick Jalen Royals