The next phase of the NFL offseason is here now that the 2025 NFL draft is behind the league. The Kansas City Chiefs successfully bolstered their outlook with a strong performance in Green Bay last week, adding several standout prospects who could become key fixtures in head coach Andy Reid's lineup, whether they were a first-round pick or went unselected altogether.
The good news is that Chiefs fans won't have to wait long to see the incoming rookie group. Like a handful of other teams, Kansas City will be holding its annual three-day rookie minicamp this weekend, beginning on Friday.
Although there's plenty of reason to be looking forward to the Chiefs' top 2025 draft picks, don't be surprised if it's a later-round rookie who steals the show this weekend.
Chiefs Rookie WR Jalen Royals Will Steal the Show at Minicamp
Of this year's late-round rookies, former Utah State wideout Jalen Royals has the best shot at stealing the spotlight throughout Chiefs minicamp. The 22-year-old playmaker was selected 133rd overall on Saturday and possesses all the tools to legitimately compete for a roster spot this summer.
After beginning his collegiate career at Georgia Military College, Royals transferred to Utah State ahead of the 2022 campaign. Although he didn't make a catch during his first Aggies season, the up-and-coming receiver silenced all doubters with a 2023 performance that saw him convert 71 receptions into 1,080 yards and an MWC-leading 15 touchdown grabs in 13 games, earning first-team all-conference honors for his hard work.
Royals began the 2024 season by looking like he was going to obliterate the previous year's totals. He posted an eye-opping 55-834-6 stat line through Utah State's first seven games last season, however, that's where his momentum ended. He suffered a deltoid tear against New Mexico in October, ending his year as quickly as it began.
Fortunately, Royals' injury didn't require surgery and is expected to make a complete recovery, hence why the Chiefs were comfortable spending a fourth-round pick on him.
With wideouts DeAndre Hopkins, Justin Watson, and Mecole Hardman all having left in free agency, there's plenty of room for Royals to fight his way onto the Chiefs' 53-man roster. His journey must begin with a strong rookie camp showing to set him up with momentum ahead of organized team activities later this month.
Capitalizing on every opportunity given to him will ensure Royals is in a spot to help Kansas City compete for a title next season. Speaking of which, the Chiefs are opening May with the fourth-best Super Bowl 60 odds (+800) on FanDuel Sportsbook.
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