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Patrick Mahomes' new target labeled a steal of the 2025 NFL Draft

The Sporting News's profile
The Sporting News
10h ago

The Kansas City Chiefs, after their Super LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, found a promising new prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting Utah State wide receiver Jalen Royals in the fourth round. Royals, considered a steal of the draft by Vinnie Iyer of Sporting News, adds to the Chiefs' strategy of equipping Patrick Mahomes with fast, vertical threats alongside players like Hollywood Brown and Xavier Worthy. Despite being an under-the-radar pick due to his background at Utah State, Royals has demonstrated significant big-play ability, notably with seven touchdowns of 50 or more yards in 2023. His injury struggles in 2024 didn't deter the Chiefs' confidence in his potential, with Matt Miller expressing optimism about Mahomes' likely affinity for Royals. The rookie's potential impact on the Chiefs' offense is further underscored by his reliable route-running skills, adding depth and versatility to the team's receiving options.

Patrick Mahomes' new target labeled a steal of the 2025 NFL Draft

Jalen Royals, a wide receiver from Utah State, was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, being labeled a draft steal by Vinnie Iyer of Sporting News.

Royals joins a roster with players like Hollywood Brown and Xavier Worthy, emphasizing the Chiefs' commitment to surrounding Patrick Mahomes with fast, vertical threats to capitalize on his strong arm.

Despite playing at a lesser-known program, Royals made a name for himself with big-play capabilities, including seven touchdowns of 50 or more yards during the 2023 season.

Injuries hampered Royals' performance in 2024, but his potential remains high, with analyst Matt Miller suggesting Mahomes will likely appreciate his skill set.

Royals is known for his reliable route-running, which, combined with his speed, makes him a versatile asset for the Chiefs' offensive strategy.

The Chiefs' selection of Royals aligns with their broader draft strategy aimed at strengthening their offensive lineup following their Super LIX loss.

The rookie's shared last name with the Kansas City Royals MLB team adds a coincidental but charming narrative element to his arrival in the city.

The Kansas City Chiefs lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super LIX a couple of months ago. Still, there is plenty of hope with Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce still on the roster. 

As long as Mahomes is there, the Super Bowl will be a topic of discussion for Kansas City. The 2025 NFL Draft went well for the Chiefs in a number of ways, and Mahomes added a new weapon. 

In the fourth round, the Chiefs selected Utah State wide receiver Jalen Royals, and Vinnie Iyer of Sporting News named him as one of the best steals of the draft. 

The Chiefs, between Hollywood Brown, Xavier Worthy, and Royals, have made it a point to surround big-armed Patrick Mahomes with speedy vertical threats. Royals qualifies as one with some reliable route-running to boost.

Since Royals played at Utah State, he is a bit of an under-the-radar pick, but he has big-play ability. On the broadcast, Matt Miller stated that "Mahomes is going to love this guy," so that is also a good sign. 

In 2023, he had seven touchdowns of 50 or more yards for Utah State but was hampered by injuries in 2024. 

Plus, he has the same last name as the MLB team that plays in Kansas City. Coincidence? 

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