Jalen Royals: 2025 Player Profile

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Jalen Royals

Age: 22

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 205

Career Stats: 32 G/ 126 Rec/ 1,917 Yds/ 21 TD

24' Stats: 7 G / 55 Rec / 837 yds / 6 TD

College YPR: 15.2 YPR

Target Share: 34.5%

Catch Rate: 69.2%

College Dominator Score: 38.8%

Athleticism Score: N/A (-)

All Time Athleticism Rank (N/A)

Combine Scores:

40 (4.42) Cone (N/A) Vert (N/A)

NFL Next Gen Grade: 82 (Good)

FITTING THE NFL MOLD

Ideally, a WRs height will be between 6'1" and 6'3" and he will weigh somewhere between 205 and 215 lbs. Royals is a little smaller than the ideal size for a WR but not small enough that is raises any concerns. The three greatest predictors of NFL success for WRs in the combine are the 40 Yard Dash, the 3-Cone Drill, and the Vertical Jump. These test a players speed as well as their ability to high point a ball. Royals had a decent 40 time but did not participate in the other two major predictive events. He has a good Speed Score putting him in the 86th percentile but his acceleration is questioned as he has a middling Burst Score in the 52nd percentile.

COLLEGE PRODUCTION

Two factors that scouts will raise red flags on are if a receiver has multiple 100+ reception seasons along with injuries and if they play in air-raid or spread heavy systems. Royals didn't record a single reception his freshman season but bounced back with a great next two seasons. His 2024 season was unfortunately cut short due to a season ending foot injury. It isn't expected to linger into his NFL career as he should be fully healed well before OTA's. Royals is viewed as one of the best players regardless of position outside of the Power conferences.

WATCHING THE TAPE

   Royals plays bigger than his frame as he is able to go up and get 50/50 balls as well as snag passes one handed giving him a large catch radius. He runs through arm tackles and is shifty making defenders consistently miss at the 2nd level. In fact, he has a 27% forced missed tackles rate. He battles up the field and will tip toe the sideline getting every inch he can. He is able to take screen passes and get big yardage thanks to his patience and shiftiness. He isn't afraid of contact and will put his shoulder into defenders sending them into the dirt.

THE LANDING SPOT

   Royals has to be ecstatic after landing in KC with a chance to play with the best QB in football. He will be able to learn from Mahomes, Reid, and Kelce on how to be successful at the next level which could help him tremendously in his development. Royals won't crack into the starting roster this year, but he has a chance to beat out JuJu and Skyy Moore for a spot as a rotational player. Long term, I believe this signals the end of Skyy Moore.

WHERE TO DRAFT HIM

   Royals is too far down the depth chart to be considered in redraft leagues. In dynasty rookie drafts, he is worth a shot in the late 2nd round. With this likely being Kelce's final season, we should see a lot of targets open up next season.

Player Comp

Brandon Aiyuk