Another year, another offseason talking about Green Bay Packers wide receivers. The team still doesn't have that bonafide No. 1 option, and it's about time this offense goes and finds one.
For that desire, alone, Utah State wide receiver Jalen Royals doesn't make sense for Green Bay. But, if there ever was a Packers wide receiver, it's Royals. Green Bay has their type, in terms of size and skill set, and Royals fits a lot of those traits.
Having only spent two seasons as a full-time contributor, Royals' potential appears to be untapped. He wasn't even looked at out of high school, having to start from ground zero in his quest for the league. Now, he's turned himself into one of the more recognizable names in the class and should be poised to hear his name called earlier rather than later.
Utah State WR Jalen Royals 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Notes
- Height: 6-0
- Weight: 204
- Unranked out of high school with zero Division I offers
- Football, basketball and track athlete in high school
Positives
- Fights through traffic on short and intermediate throws; works back to throws to help quarterback
- Difficult to tackle after the catch; shifty and aggressive to get up the field
- Excels with the ball in his hands quickly after the snap
Royals is going to be a player an offensive coordinator wants to get the ball to on the run or quickly after the ball is snapped. He is fantastic on the run and simply knows how to gain yards after the catch. If you don't remember anything else, remember that about him. Royals is somebody to look out for once he has the ball in his hands.
Negatives
- Inconsistent at creating separation or shaking defenders off LOS
- Average foot quickness paired with a season-ending foot injury is cause for concern
- Not a downfield contested catch candidate
For a team looking to find a polished route runner or a consistent deep threat, that's not who Royals is. He's not going to separate very well, nor is he going to stop on a dime and make those crisp cuts at the top of his routes.
Jalen Royals NFL Player Comparison: Rashee Rice
The two of them share many similarities, be it their height or weight and overall size, or the in-game traits. Royals and Rice work hard at contested catches and use their strength as an advantage in this area. Both are physical players who compete for catches in traffic. Neither one of them is as polished as you'd like in terms of route running, but as intermediate targets, they're ideal.
Jalen Royals 2025 NFL Draft Grade: Round 3
Royals is too much a dependable playmaker to make it past the third round, and could even work his way into Round 2. He will be a must-have value if he somehow makes it to Day 3.