While Xavier Worthy and Marquise Brown generally dominate discussions about Kansas City Chiefs wide receivers, a lesser-known player might steal the spotlight in 2025 fantasy football leagues. Jalen Royals, drafted in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft from Utah State, is quickly gaining attention as a sleeper option worth monitoring.
Unlike Worthy, the celebrated 2024 draft pick, and Brown, the established veteran receiver often targeted by Patrick Mahomes, Royals offers a fresh possibility on the Chiefs’ receiving corps, blending untapped potential with a compelling college track record.
Royals’ College Performance Highlights His NFL Readiness
At Utah State, Royals distinguished himself as a productive wide receiver capable of consistently gaining significant yardage. In his final four games with the Aggies, he averaged 166.5 yards per game. Furthermore, he ranked within the top 30 in yards per route run, a critical efficiency metric valued in today’s NFL offenses.
Despite coming from a smaller program and overcoming injury issues, the Chiefs’ decision to draft Royals reflects their belief in his ability to contribute. His past performance indicates he can be an effective weapon in Kansas City’s dynamic aerial attack.
The Chiefs’ WR Depth Chart Shifts Ahead of 2025 Season
Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes continue to innovate Kansas City’s offense, but the wide receiver situation remains unsettled since Tyreek Hill’s departure. Rashee Rice‘s promising start in 2023-24 was marred by off-field suspensions, creating potential openings for other receivers to ascend.
Jalen Royals has impressed during preseason, positioning himself as a valuable candidate for the WR3 spot. Given the uncertainties surrounding Rice and Brown’s availability, Royals offers a compelling option to fill the gap should injuries or other hurdles arise for his teammates.
What Sets Royals Apart from Other Chiefs Receivers?
Royals possesses several traits that could make him a unique asset for the Chiefs’ offense:
- Yards After Catch (YAC): His college highlight was converting short receptions into substantial gains through smart vision and explosiveness, a perfect fit for Andy Reid’s scheme that emphasizes quick passes and screen plays.
- Role Flexibility: Although primarily a wide receiver at Utah State, Royals’ versatility makes him a strong candidate for the Chiefs’ slot receiver role, similar to Rashee Rice’s dynamic contributions.
- Low Fantasy Draft Cost: Unlike Worthy, often selected in the middle rounds, and Brown, picked in later rounds, Royals is frequently overlooked and may be available late in drafts or on waivers—offering a high-upside, low-risk gamble.
Evaluating Royals’ Fantasy Prospects for 2025
In redraft leagues, Royals is unlikely to be a priority pick except in very deep formats, but fantasy managers should remain vigilant for waiver opportunities. His potential to earn a roster spot and meaningful targets makes him a worthwhile watchlist addition.
Royals’ strongest fantasy value lies in dynasty leagues, where his blend of productivity and a potential growing role behind Mahomes projects him as a promising third-round rookie draft pick. Stashing Royals could pay off if he capitalizes on openings created by injury or disciplinary issues among other Chiefs receivers.
Best-case predictions see Royals securing the WR3 role and delivering several relevant fantasy weeks, especially if Marquise Brown suffers setbacks or Rashee Rice’s off-field challenges persist. Conversely, he might remain a secondary option as WR4 or WR5 if the other receivers perform consistently and remain healthy.
Why Royals Could Be the Chiefs’ Hidden Gem in Fantasy Football
The spotlight will undoubtedly remain on Xavier Worthy and Marquise Brown, but Jalen Royals is gaining momentum as a stealth candidate who could surprise fantasy managers in 2025. His early preseason performance combined with his unique skill set places him as an intriguing sleeper pick in a Chiefs offense led by Patrick Mahomes’ prolific passing.
For fantasy players competing in deep or dynasty formats, Royals deserves a place on the radar. With Mahomes directing the offense, even lesser-known “dark horse” receivers have the opportunity to become impactful contributors and league winners.