The Kansas City Chiefs have dealt with significant wide receiver issues in recent years, notably due to injuries. General manager Brett Veach has prioritized giving three-time Super Bowl MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes enough weapons to compete, and it appears that 2025 will be the year it all comes together.
Rashee Rice is likely to serve a suspension, but Marquise 'Hollywood' Brown is healthy to pair with an emerging star in Xavier Worthy, giving the offense the dynamic speed element that's been lacking.
Among the most exciting additions is fourth-round rookie Jalen Royals out of Utah State. He's been excellent thus far in training camp, and it feels like it's only a matter of time before he usurps a beloved veteran on the depth chart.
Nice TD grab by Jalen Royals who continues to see reps with the 1st team.
— Price Carter (@priceacarter) August 1, 2025
Chiefs Rookie WR Jalen Royals Poised to Take JuJu Smith-Schuster's Job
Arrowhead Addict's Price Carter noted that Royals made a nice TD grab during Friday's practice and has continually seen reps with the first team. That makes sense after various minor injuries to Brown and Worthy, though it's notable that the rookie is getting significant action in practice.
Smith-Schuster, who has had a strong camp as well, and was named the position group's leader by head coach Andy Reid, provides a veteran presence. He's projected to be fourth on the depth chart, largely due to his excellent blocking prowess, yet it might soon become impossible to keep Royals off the field. Should the 6-foot wideout keep this up, Smith-Schuster will likely be relegated to a reserve role at best.
Mahomes with a pass to Jalen Royals. Royals with a great job pulling in the pass with Nazeeh Johnson covering him closely pic.twitter.com/uL0Bm0vQ7F
— Farzin Vousoughian (@Farzin21) August 1, 2025
During the 2023 campaign at Utah State, Royals caught 71 passes for 1,080 yards and a conference-leading 15 TDs. His 2024 season was limited to seven games due to injury, but he still put up a ridiculous 55 catches for 834 yards and six TDs. With 4.4 40-yard dash speed, he's the exact kind of player who could develop into a legitimate weapon in this offense.
Smith-Schuster is only on a one-year deal. His future is not secure despite his stellar locker room presence, and it seems that the organization is preparing to move forward in 2026 and beyond with a core group of Rice, Worthy, and Royals.
At this point, fans should be thrilled with Royals' progress. Here's hoping he keeps this up and provides an immediate impact in the regular season.