

Jalen Royals was a relative unknown when the Kansas City Chiefs brought him in, but that anonymity is starting to fade. The rookie wideout has emerged as one of the most intriguing risers at training camp, with several veterans now feeling his presence, most notably Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy.
Rice, who impressed in stretches during the 2024 season, hasn’t lost his confidence. He’s coming off a season that saw him post 24 catches for 288 yards and two touchdowns before an injury in Week 4 sidelined him for a significant stretch.
But while he’s healthy again and ready to go, the dynamics of the wide receiver room are changing quickly.
The buzz around Royals is growing, and it’s no longer just about his potential-it’s about how he’s cutting into live reps. On third downs, red zone sets, and other crucial situations, Royals is being rotated in. He’s showing an advanced feel for in-breaking routes and isn’t afraid to use his frame like a basketball forward, shielding defenders to win contested catches.
That box-out technique? Coaches love it. And so does Patrick Mahomes, who has started to look Royals’ way more consistently during situational drills.
Royals making his case with versatility and poise under pressure
Xavier Worthy was expected to take a leap this season. After a solid rookie year, the speedy playmaker seemed poised for an expanded role. But the tone in camp has changed. Coaches are experimenting with lineups, giving Royals reps that used to belong exclusively to Worthy or Rice.
Scouts and coaches are impressed by Royals’ cool-headedness in pressure scenarios. One insider called it his “visualizer” mindset-his ability to quickly process the playbook and adapt to complex defensive coverages. He may not have Worthy’s downfield speed, but he offers reliable hands, crisp route running, and an innate understanding of when and where to be.
According to Royals, the secret to earning that trust is simple: “Know your job. Be where you’re supposed to be. Don’t make the same mistake twice. If Pat sees that, you’ll get the ball.”
This news was originally published on this post .
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