Fans all around Kansas City are fired up about the Chiefs' latest draft class, though a couple of players in particular have been demanding significant attention in the immediate aftermath.
While Josh Simmons looks like a potential stalwart on the offensive line and guys like Nohl Williams have strong potential, wide receiver Jalen Royals and running back Brashard Smith may be the latest weapons whom three-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes can utilize.
Royals, a fourth-round selection, has been perhaps the most-talked-about player with good reason. Andy Reid sounds excited about him, and Royals has officially become a favorite of his quarterbacks early on.
Some quick notes from Day 2 of Chiefs rookie camp:
— Matt McMullen (@KCChiefs_Matt) May 4, 2025
🏈 Jalen Royals had a busy day with 10 catches between 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 drills.
🏈 TE Jake Briningstool made two of the day’s top plays with a pair of leaping catches deep downfield despite good coverage. He’s impressive.
Chiefs WR Jalen Royals Shines Earns QB's Trust at Rookie Minicamp
The Chiefs had rookie minicamp over the weekend, and Royals was a big winner. As noted by Chiefs reporter Matt McMullen, Royals had 10 catches between 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 drills. He was active, and that's exciting to hear considering reports that he's still slightly recovering from injuries that limited him to just seven games last year.
In those games, Royals caught 55 passes for 834 yards and six TDs just one campaign after putting up 71 receptions for 1,080 yards and 15 TDs. He likely fell in the draft because of the injury concern, yet it's obvious the rest of the NFL made a mistake in that regard.
By already getting a heavy dose of targets and earning the trust of his quarterbacks, Royals is making a name for himself early. He's someone who can make an immediate impact, drawing comparisons to Rashee Rice, whom turned himself into one of the league's best receivers fairly quickly.
A core of Rice, Xavier Worthy, Hollywood Brown, and Royals is dangerous, especially considering the ways they'll make life easier for the aging Travis Kelce. That Royals is drawing so much attention intiially suggests that the coaching staff wants him to make an early impact, and fans should be thrilled about that.