Jalen Royals Fantasy Football Outlook 2025: Dart Throw WR
The Kansas City Chiefs selected Utah State wide receiver Jalen Royals with the 133rd overall pick in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. As always, fantasy football managers are intrigued by Royals’ potential in an explosive Chiefs offense. Royals has the tools to develop into the X receiver for future Hall of Famer Patrick Mahomes. Continue reading to learn all about the Jalen Royals fantasy football outlook for 2025 and beyond.
Jalen Royals Fantasy Football Outlook 2025
Can Jalen Royals be a sleeper pick in 2025 fantasy football? Or is he just a late-round dart throw at the WR position? Let’s break down his fantasy football outlook for 2025 as well as in dynasty leagues.
Jalen Royals Strengths
Royals’ fantasy football appeal comes from his speed and tackle-breaking ability. Recently, he impressed scouts at the NFL Combine. Notably, by running a 4.42-second 40-yard dash. That speed shows up on film and in the stat sheet. Additionally, he recorded 839 yards and six touchdowns in just seven games during his junior season.
An injury-filled 2024 season caused Royals to fall on big boards heading into April’s draft. However, he had already shown his true potential in 2023. During his sophomore campaign, he put up an impressive 1,084 yards and 15 touchdowns.
The Chiefs already have one of the best young wide receiver groups in the league. Notably, with Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy leading the way. Luckily for Royals, both players are expected to play different roles in the offense. Moreover, Rice is a slot monster who seems poised to take over the old Travis Kelce role. Additionally, he is a speedster who will be featured in the screen game, the run game, and more of the typical “Z” receiver duties. Ultimately, their presence should allow Royals to step into that traditional “X” wide receiver spot.
Jalen Royals Weaknesses
Unfortunately, the biggest weakness for Royals, based on film and analytics, is his ability to separate. While he is excellent in contested catch situations, it is clear he has struggled to consistently create space. Coming from the Mountain West Conference, he will now face cornerbacks with a level of talent he did not often see in college.
On the positive side, the Chiefs’ deep wide receiver room could work in his favor. Royals will likely face second or third-string cornerbacks in single coverage. However, he will need to prove he can get open if he wants to earn a starting role in 2025.
Jalen Royals Fantasy Football Outlook in 2025
Overall, Royals is a player who likely will not be selected in most redraft fantasy football leagues. Entering a crowded wide receiver room, fantasy managers will have a hard time justifying him as even a late-round pick. Additionally, fourth-round rookies often struggle to find the field early in their NFL careers.
However, Royals is a name to keep an eye on in the later rounds of your drafts. If he proves himself early in the 2025 season, he could become a valuable waiver wire pickup. Potentially, he could be someone you spend your FAAB on. Any player who earns consistent snaps in a Mahomes-led offense holds potential flex value, especially during bye weeks.
Jalen Royals Dynasty Outlook
Overall, is worth a dart throw in the third round of rookie drafts. If he goes undrafted, he should be a priority waiver pickup. His college production, film, and analytics make him an intriguing long-term stash with upside in the Chiefs’ offense. All in all, this makes him an intriguing, high-upside play for dynasty fantasy football purposes.
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