Chiefs Have Too Many WR—Will Rookie Jalen Royals Force Someone Out?

The Kansas City Chiefs made a quiet but potentially seismic move in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft: selecting wide receiver Jalen Royals. While not a headline-grabbing pick at the time, Royals has since begun turning heads—and possibly turning up the heat in an already crowded wide receiver room.

For a team fresh off another deep playoff run, wide receiver depth is typically considered a luxury. But for the Chiefs, it’s now turning into a numbers game. With names like Rashee Rice, Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore, and Justin Watson all vying for targets—alongside newly signed veterans and practice squad hopefuls—someone’s seat is about to get uncomfortably warm.

Enter Jalen Royals. Though drafted late, his tape and skillset suggest a player who was overlooked. Royals combines sharp route-running with the ability to find soft spots in coverage. ESPN’s Matt Bowen recently highlighted his potential to thrive in Andy Reid’s layered passing concepts, especially as a mid-level target for Patrick Mahomes. Royals also brings the explosiveness after the catch that this offense has thrived on in the post-Tyreek Hill era.

So what makes Royals dangerous to the status quo?

For starters, he’s not afraid of contact and operates well in traffic—traits that many of the Chiefs’ current WRs have struggled with. He’s also fast enough to stretch defenses, yet crafty enough to create yards from short throws. More importantly, he’s cost-controlled as a rookie, making him an attractive piece for roster flexibility.

While training camp will ultimately decide the pecking order, insiders believe Royals has a legitimate shot at leapfrogging some veterans. Kadarius Toney, though explosive, has battled injury and inconsistency. Skyy Moore has yet to break out despite ample opportunity. Even Justin Watson, a reliable rotational piece, could find himself squeezed out if Royals continues his rise.

The Chiefs offense demands receivers who can quickly adjust, make smart reads, and finish plays. Royals checks those boxes—and if he builds chemistry with Mahomes early, he might not just make the roster—he could earn real playing time.

In the coming weeks, as OTAs and training camp unfold, expect more buzz around Royals. He might not say much off the field, but on the field, he’s already making noise.

And for at least one veteran, that noise might sound a lot like footsteps.