Jalen Royals committed to Georgia Military College as a freshman but was limited to only seven receptions. He left for Utah State the next year but did not see the field until 2023 as a junior. He was the leading receiver for the Aggies that year and broke 1,000 yards despite catching passes from three quarterbacks.
He again led the wide receivers with 55 catches as a senior while only playing in seven games. He was on a hot streak with four straight 100-yard efforts in his final games before a foot injury that ended his season prematurely.
He was on a pace for 100 catches and 1,500 yards, including his career-best three games in a row with 211, 155, and 188 yards when he was injured. Royals shined on a team that lacked a top-level quarterback and broke out as a junior when he was finally given a starting role.
Height: 6-0
Weight: 205 pounds
40 time: 4.42 seconds
A former track star with basketball skills, Royals is a multi-sport athlete who recorded a 4.42 40-time at the NFL Combine, along with bigger frame for a wideout. He enters the NFL draft more potential than proven history, but Royals stepped up with elite play when finally given the starting nod for two seasons, playing on a team with an otherwise dull passing effort spread over five quarterbacks in just two years.
Jalen Royals stats (2022-24)
*includes postseason/bowl games (stats from Sports Reference)
Pros
- Excelled for both seasons as a starter while setting school records
- Above-average acceleration
- Deadly after the catch with the speed to take it to the endzone
- Flypaper hands and able to adjust to balls throughout his route
- Versatile receiver that played both slot and outside
- Continually improved in college
- Plays with good focus on contested catches
Cons
- Did not face top-tier competition in the Mountain West Conference
- Blocking skills need more refinement
- Less productive in press coverage
- Route tree needs expansion for NFL offenses
- Previous season-ending foot injury in second season needs to be cleared by drafting team
Fantasy Outlook
Royals is an interesting prospect. On one hand, his accomplishments can be downplayed simply from playing in the Mountain West Conference and starting just for a season and a half. But – he had success when given the chance and had to mesh with two or three quarterbacks per season. He’s still a bit raw both in experience and the total mechanics of being an NFL receiver, but there are reasons to believe he could be a surprise.
Expectations range from a late Day 2 selection to an early Day 3 pick. He was noted for impressive adjustments to the ball and catching contested passes. Royals won’t be asked to step into a Week 1 starting role, at least probably, but is one to watch. Much depends on where he ends up and the situation he finds there, but it’s a lock that wherever he ends up will be far better than what he left in college. He just has to prove to be up to that challenge.