The NFL Draft is on the horizon, and there’s a player that many teams might be overlooking: Utah State’s Jalen Royals. With qualities that echo the playstyle of NFL superstar Ja’Marr Chase, Royals is poised to make a big impact at the next level.
Let’s delve into what sets Royals apart and see how he stacks up against Chase, one of the most electrifying talents to hit the league in recent years.
Jalen Royals vs. Ja’Marr Chase: A Closer Look
Here’s how Royals and Chase compare on some key measurables:
| Player | Height | Weight | Hand Size | Arm Length | 40-Yard Dash | 10-Yard Split | Vertical | Broad Jump | Bench Press | RAS Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ja’Marr Chase | 6’0″ | 201 lbs | 9.625″ | 30.75″ | 4.34 seconds | 1.59 seconds | 41 inches | 11 feet | 23 reps | 9.82 |
| Jalen Royals | 6’0″ | 205 lbs | 9.5″ | 30.13″ | 4.42 seconds | 1.53 seconds | 36 inches | 10 feet | 13 reps | 9.01 |
While Chase emerged as the more explosive athlete—boasting superior vertical and broad jump results alongside a dazzling bench press—Royals’ numbers are impressive in their own right. It’s important to remember that Chase stands out as one of the finest prospects in recent memory, so the comparison isn’t meant to diminish Royals’ potential.
The Skill Set of Jalen Royals
One of the most exciting aspects of Jalen Royals’ game is his ability to turn short catches into significant yardage. His knack for breaking tackles mirrors what Chase has accomplished, with Royals generating 17 missed tackles on just 55 receptions. For comparison, Chase forced 22 missed tackles on 80 receptions, indicating that Royals has a similar capacity for creating yards after the catch with fewer opportunities.
When you watch his film, it’s clear that Royals possesses the explosiveness and agility that today’s NFL teams covet. Before an injury sidelined him, he racked up over 1,400 yards and more than 90 receptions, showcasing his ability to make plays all over the field. His performance suggests that he has the potential to be a serious contributor right out of the gate.
Draft Projection and Recognition
Currently projected as a second to third-round pick, Royals is ranked as the 60th prospect on the PFF Big Board and the seventh-best wide receiver according to Dane Bruglar’s “The Beast.” Despite the attention that other receivers like Matthew Golden and Jayden Higgins are garnering, many experts believe that Royals is the most underrated wide receiver in this draft class.
NFL draft analysts such as Trevor Sikkema and Connor Rogers have sung Royals’ praises, pointing out his ability to make big plays and the promise he carries as a future NFL weapon. As teams finalize their boards and prepare for the draft, keep an eye on Jalen Royals—he could be the surprise impact player that changes a franchise’s trajectory.
If there’s one thing we know from the world of football, it’s that talent often shines through when it’s least expected. Royals could just be the player with the kind of spark that generates major buzz come draft day, and if he gets the right opportunity, he just might elevate his new team to new heights.
