Jalen Royals Could Be The Rashee Rice Replacement

What They're Saying

Reid on Royals: "He looks like he's very smart, during our third install here today. We load up him up with plays early, and he's been able to retain a lot of the things: the newer stuff from before and the new stuff we've introduced now. That's a good sign. He's made some catches."

2025 Fantasy Football Impact

Royals is behind at least Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Marquise Brown on the depth chart for now. But he could be a big part of Kansas City's plans to replace Rice, assuming he's suspended this season.

Like Rice, Royals is at his best with the ball in his hands. He averaged 6.8 yards after the catch per reception at Utah State, including 7.9 yards this past season.

JuJu Smith-Schuster figures to be Royals' primary competition for those Rice snaps. Smith-Schuster has the experience edge over Royals but doesn't have the rookie's giddy-up.

We'll keep a close eye on this competition over the next month. Royals would probably fall short of redraft value unless Rice's suspension is longer than expected. But he could at least be an intriguing DFS tournament flier.