Chiefs see big role for rookie Jalen Royals in Patrick Mahomes’ offense amid Rashee Rice uncertainty

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The Kansas City Chiefs added another promising piece to their offense during the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Utah State wide receiver Jalen Royals in the fourth round.

While some projected him to go earlier, Royals landed in a position where expectations could quickly rise, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Rashee Rice’s availability for the upcoming season.

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Royals could be the next breakout WR

Rice is recovering from a season-ending knee injury and may face league discipline following an off-field incident, creating a potential opening in Kansas City’s receiving corps.

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Royals’ skillset could allow him to step into a significant role, one that resembles what Rice brought to the table before his setback.

Chiefs director of player personnel Ryne Nutt sees notable similarities between the two receivers.

“His game is very similar to Rashee’s,”Nutt said.

“He’s got big hands, strong hands, and he’s very good after the catch. [Run after the catch] is a big part of our offense. We look for speed. The kid had that 4.40 [40-yard dash]… route running is probably an area where Rashee had to kind of develop, so we kind of thought they were similar in that respect.”

Even with a healthy Rice expected back at some point in the 2025 campaign, the Chiefs believe Royals has the tools to make an early impact.

“With Rashee coming back from injury and trying to get right, the hopes are this kid can step in and try to get some playing time and help us out,”Nutt added.

Greg Castillo, the team’s western regional scout, echoed that sentiment, calling Royals a versatile threat.

“He can make an impact immediately. The [run-after-catch] ability stands out… He can beat a guy off press coverage or run right by you. When the ball is in his hands, he can run right through you.”

Royals, who tallied over 834 receiving yards at Utah State last season, made a name for himself by generating significant yardage after the catch.

“I played running back growing up,” Royals said.

“I’m used to getting yards after contact. Maybe 3 yards each catch could be helpful.”

With veteran additions like Hollywood Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster, plus 2024 first-rounder Xavier Worthy, the Chiefs’ wide receiver room is deep.

But if Royals lives up to his potential, Patrick Mahomes could have another reliable weapon to keep the chains moving.

This news was originally published on this post .

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