Chiefs opt for value by selecting Utah State WR Jalen Royals a full round after 2025 NFL Draft projections said he'd go

This is the second consecutive year that the Chiefs have made a pick at No. 133 overall. Last year, they took Washington State S Jaden Hicks and it seemed to work out in the best possible way. 

Everything to know about Utah State WR Jalen Royals

Age: 22 (02/18/2003)

A to Z Sports Draft Projection: No. 75 overall, Round 3

Scouting Report: If you are looking for a day two receiver with upside, Royals is your guy. A zero-star JUCO recruit, Royals played three years at Utah State with his first year not recording a single stat. He broke out in a big way during his junior year in 2023 with 71 receptions for 1,080 yards, and 15 touchdowns. Royals' numbers went down somewhat as a senior, but his ability to win with smooth routes in the short and intermediate areas should spark the interest of several NFL teams. Overall, Royals is a talented receiver who can be a number two/high end number three. - A to Z Sports' Tyler Foreness.

Career Projection: Eventual Good Starter

Why does Jalen Royals make sense for the Chiefs? 

The mantra in Kansas City has long been that you can never have too many weapons for Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs have taken a wide receiver in the draft for three consecutive seasons (Skyy Moore, Rashee Rice, and Xavier Worthy) and extend their streak to four with this move to select Royals. 

Royals has a chance to enter the lineup immediately, not only working as a return specialist, but also as a pass-catcher out of the slot. He could easily fill in for Rashee Rice as he recovers from last season's knee injury, working on the intermediate and short passing game. Don't get it twisted, though. He has some downfield threat to his game as well.