When it comes to wide receivers for the Kansas City Chiefs, there are two names that always come to mind: Xavier Worthy and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown.
The first was the jewel of the 2024 draft, the second is a veteran who came in to be the key to Patrick Mahomes. But on the fantasy 2025 radar, there is a name that could be the surprise. Keep an eye on him! Ladies and gentlemen, Jalen Royals
Jalen Royals is an American football wide receiver who plays for the Western Carolina Catamounts in the NCAA
Selected in the fourth round of the 2025 draft, he comes from Utah State. He doesn’t come in with the same hype as Worthy or the experience of Brown, but his collegiate numbers show he can produce:
- In his last four games with the Aggies, he averaged 166.5 yards per game
- He finished in the top 30 in yards per route run, a key indicator of efficiency in the modern NFL.
If Kansas City considered him worthy of taking him for the big team, despite having dealt with injuries and coming from a “lesser” college, it’s for a reason.
The Chiefs’ context in 2025
Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes, two synonymous with production and creativity, but also with uncertainty for fantasy.
The WR position has never had a clear “alpha” since Tyreek Hill left, and while Rashee Rice shone in 2023-24, his off-field problems (including suspension) opened the door to new candidates.
And it is precisely in this scenario where Royals could sneak in as WR3. That’s not to mention if any injuries or relapses hit Rice or Brown. He shone in the preseason. There’s a lot to like about this kid.
What does Royals offer that others don’t?
- YAC (yards after catch): His greatest strength in college was turning short receptions into long gains thanks to his vision and explosiveness. This is very valuable in a system like Reid’s, where screens and quick passes are the order of the day.
- Versatility: Although he played primarily as a wide receiver at Utah State, the Chiefs see him as a possible heir to the dynamic slot role played by Rashee Rice, manufacturing designed touches.
- Ridiculous fantasy cost: While Worthy goes in the middle rounds and Brown in the later rounds, Royals is barely being drafted in redraft leagues. He’s a classic last-round dart throw or waiver option that could explode if the circumstances align.
Fantasy outlook 2025
Redraft: It’s not worth selecting him outside of deep leagues, but keep an eye on him on waivers.
Dynasty: This is where Royals really comes into its own. His productive profile and the possibility of inheriting a key role in Mahomes’ offense make him a third-round pick in rookie drafts, ideal as a stash.
Best-case scenario: He finishes the year as the team’s WR3 with relevant weeks if Brown gets injured again or Rice continues to deal with external issues.
Worst-case scenario: He remains the WR4 or WR5, seeing few opportunities behind Worthy, Rice and Brown.
The spotlight is on Worthy and Brown, but Jalen Royals is the Chiefs’ wild card. His potential makes him an intriguing sleeper for fantasy football in 2025.
In deep or dynasty leagues, he deserves to be on your radar. Because if there’s one thing for sure, with Mahomes throwing, even the “dark horse” can win a league.
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