Why Chiefs' Jalen Royals Was Drafted To Ideal Spot

We often hear that where you get drafted matters, and for the Kansas City Chiefs, it does seem like the kind of franchise where young players can flourish.

With Andy Reid as head coach, Patrick Mahomes leading the offense, and Chris Jones leading the defense, there is an ingrained culture that can help rookies grow and become the players they know they can be.

For fourth-round pick Jalen Royals, being a receiver in an offense led by Mahomes and Reid, perhaps the best head coach/quarterback duo in football, that feels like the best landing spot for an offensive player.

And ESPN's Matt Bowen thinks so, too.

"With the coverage awareness to find open zone voids and a competitive play style after the catch, Royals can operate in Andy Reid's system as a midlevel target for quarterback Patrick Mahomes," Bowen writes. "Royals is willing to work the heavy traffic areas of the field, where he can make contested catches. And he turns underneath throws into explosive plays.

"As a deep-ball target, Royals has the speed to be schemed situationally. But I really like the fit here based on the Chiefs' leveled concepts, run-pass options and three-step throws. These types of plays will allow him to find open grass and gain even more yards after the catch."