Virtually every Kansas City Chiefs fan is excited about the team’s fourth-round pick from the 2025 NFL Draft. Utah State WR Jalen Royals reminds evaluators of Rashee Rice, which has Chiefs Kingdom salivating.

Rookie minicamp concluded last week, and Royals was one of the biggest stars. He’s quickly making himself a favorite, and while there’s a long way to go this summer, it seems like it’ll be hard to keep him off the field.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler believes Royals will have a big role, and his excellent performance since being drafted might shake up the entire depth chart.

Chiefs WR Jalen Royals Could Quickly Shake Up KC’s Depth Chart

It’s generally understood that Rice and 2024 standout rookie Xavier Worthy will occupy the top two spots on the depth chart. Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown should be the third, though Royals could make head coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy’s decision difficult. Brown is only on a one-year deal and if Royals outshines him, he may earn more snaps.

To Brown’s credit, he missed most of the 2024 campaign with an injury and has a sustained track record of being a productive player. He’s earned the benefit of the doubt over a rookie, but we saw Rice and Worthy shine early, and Royals could provide that same light.

In 2023, Royals caught 71 passes for 1,080 yards and 15 TDs. He was limited to just seven games last season due to injury, yet still managed 55 receptions for 834 yards and five scores. This is a second-round talent, at worst, who fell because of health, and the Chiefs have formed a dynastic run capitalizing on those opportunities.

Royals will be around for several years. Brown might not be. There’s something to consider, as Reid and general manager Brett Veach could decide to elevate Royals sooner than expected to build for a future superstar wideout trio of Rice, Worthy, and the exciting rook.

We’ll see what happens, but this will be a storyline to keep an eye on for the rest of the summer.