The Kansas City Chiefs attacked the trenches early in the 2025 NFL Draft. They locked down a cornerstone left tackle of the future in Josh Simmons before adding a talented defensive tackle in Omarr Norman-Lott and defensive end Ashton Gilotte.
After going after the area of the field that struggled against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Chiefs turned their attention elsewhere. They gave three-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes some weapons, one of whom could become a future star.
Wide receiver Jalen Royals out of Utah State was a steal of a fourth-round selection, and he'll immediately put veteran Super Bowl champ JuJu Smith-Schuster on notice this summer.
Numbers wise, the Kansas City Chiefs just got the biggest steal in the entire draft.
— Mark 🏈 (@HeaneyNFLDraft) April 26, 2025
Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State, was my 29th OVERALL players, and he is headed to KC at 133rd overall.
I had an early 2nd-round grade on him.
He will be a huge player for the Chiefs. Bank on it. pic.twitter.com/ArXlY3qAUc
Chiefs WR Jalen Royals is Ready to Steal JuJu Smith-Schuster's Job
Looking at the Chiefs' wide receiver rotation, Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Marquise 'Hollywood' Brown are locked into the top three. Smith-Schuster theoretically slots in as the fourth wideout following the loss of Justin Watson, yet Royals might change the dynamic.
One of the best downfield threats in the class, Royals has incredible yards-after-catch ability and had 1,914 yards and 21 TDs over the last two seasons. This is a dynamite weapon, and Kansas City couldn't be happier that he fell into their lap.
Utah State WR Jalen Royals is a going to get somebody promoted in the draft room.
— Snoog's Fantasy HQ (@FFSnoog) January 17, 2025
Explosive yards after catch playmaker built for today’s NFL.
Paced 1,400+ yards and 90+ receptions before his injury.
One of my favorite under the radar players in the class right now. pic.twitter.com/o9lcLl2AuK
That sure looks like a Chiefs receiver, doesn't it? Royals fits the mold, and many have compared him to Rashee Rice. With a suspension looming for the latter, it's possible that Royals fills his role sooner rather than later. Regardless, he's someone who will force head coach Andy Reid to put him on the field.
Smith-Schuster's calling card is blocking. He's tremendous, and what he lacks in explosiveness, he makes up for in that area. Even still, Royals might be too good. While Royals doesn't have the reputation that Smith-Schuster does as a blocker, he's a better receiver immediately. That could make the difference for a Chiefs team needing explosiveness, to say nothing of Royals' ability on special teams.
With this selection, Kansas City is putting the writing on the wall that Smith-Schuster's days are numbered.