NFL opponents allegedly underestimated the Kansas City Chiefs during the draft, as Patrick Mahomes' new secret weapon is demonstrating exceptional performance, surprising rival teams.
The Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up for the 2025 NFL season, and one rookie is making waves in the early stages of training camp - Jalen Royals. The fourth-round draft pick from Utah State has been impressing coaches and teammates with his quick learning ability, strong work ethic, and physicality.
Coach Andy Reid has highlighted Royals' strength and his resemblance to Rashee Rice in playing style, noting his strong lower body and high football IQ. Royals, standing at 6'0" and weighing 205 lbs, has been making the most of his opportunities, demonstrating his skill set and earning a spot with the first-team offense.
With Rashee Rice set to serve a suspension of up to seven games due to his involvement in a hit-and-run accident in 2024, Royals is seen as the primary candidate to fill the gap in the Chiefs' wide receiver corps alongside Xavier Worthy. The young wide receiver is being groomed to take on a larger role, potentially becoming an important weapon for Patrick Mahomes in the 2025 season.
Royals' college performance at Utah State was impressive, with him exploding for 1,914 yards off 126 receptions, averaging 15.2 yards per catch, and scoring 21 touchdowns in his last two seasons. His impressive showing during rookie minicamp, training camp, and OTAs has raised expectations that he will be ready to step up when called upon.
According to Bleacher Report's Damian Parson, Jalen Royals could potentially surpass the likes of Worthy, Brown, and Juju Smith-Schuster and step into the WR1 spot. His ability to make catches and grow his connection with Mahomes has also been a positive note in the early stages of training camp.
The Chiefs, with Mahomes and co., are looking to avenge last season's devastating loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. With Royals' potential contribution, they could have a stronger offense ready to challenge for the Super Bowl once again. All signs point to Jalen Royals having a consistently strong role with the Chiefs' offense in the regular season.
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- Despite Rashee Rice's suspension, Jalen Royals from Utah State is seen as a prime contender to take Rice's place in the Kansas City Chiefs' wide receiver corps, potentially forming a formidable duo with Xavier Worthy.
- Bleacher Report's Damian Parson has suggested that Jalen Royals could even outshine other receivers like Worthy, Brown, and Juju Smith-Schuster, potentially securing the WR1 spot for the Chiefs.
- With his impressive showing during rookie minicamp, training camp, and OTAs, Jalen Royals is raising expectations that he will be ready to step up when called upon in the 2025 NFL season.
- Coach Andy Reid has compared Royals' strength and playing style to Rashee Rice, suggesting that the young rookie could significantly contribute to the Chiefs' offense, possibly helping them challenge for the Super Bowl again. [1, 3]
