The NFL Slept on Him — Now Jalen Royals Could Become Mahomes’ Next Big Weapon

When Jalen Royals went undrafted out of high school, with zero FBS or FCS offers to his name, few could have predicted that just a few years later he’d be catching passes from Patrick Mahomes. But on April 26, 2025, the Kansas City Chiefs made sure they wouldn’t sleep on him — selecting the Utah State wide receiver with the 133rd overall pick in the fourth round.

Royals’ journey to the NFL reads like a movie script. Born in Georgia, he was overlooked and rejected at every turn, eventually landing at Georgia Military College. After a modest freshman season, he attended a tryout camp at Utah State, where he seized his second chance with everything he had. By 2023, Royals had shattered expectations, racking up 1,080 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns, earning first-team All-Mountain West honors and putting himself on the national radar.

Despite battling a foot injury that limited him to just seven games in 2024, Royals still put up eye-popping numbers: 36 catches, 563 yards, and a slew of highlight-reel plays. His 10 receptions of 50-plus yards over two seasons led the entire FBS, showcasing not just his 4.42-second speed but his game-breaking ability once the ball is in his hands.

Now in Kansas City, Royals’ skills seem tailor-made for Andy Reid’s dynamic offense. With his smooth footwork, explosive yards-after-catch ability, and versatility as a kick returner, he brings immediate depth and upside to a receiving corps featuring Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy. And with Rice’s potential suspension looming, Royals could find himself earning a bigger role faster than anyone expected.

For Royals, the chip on his shoulder isn’t going away anytime soon. “I’ve always had to prove I belong,” he said after being drafted. Chiefs Kingdom may soon be witnessing the rise of Mahomes’ next trusted weapon — a young man the NFL once overlooked, but who now has the perfect stage to shine.