The 2025 NFL Draft class features interesting receiver prospects. While Matthew Golden, Emeka Egbuka, and Tetairoa McMillan are the high-profile names expected to go in the first round, the talent pool of wideouts who could go as early as Day 2 has the potential to make an immediate impact at the professional level.
A Day 2 prospect to watch is Utah State’s Jalen Royals. He posted a 9.01 Relative Athletic Score at the Combine, featuring an elite composite speed grade. Royals is a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands and has experience as a kick returner.
During his appearance on the April 17 episode of Up & Adams, Jordan Love spoke with Kay Adams about the Aggie Receiver.
“Being from Utah State myself, having a receiver like Jaylen Royals that, you know, has come out and made a name for himself—they’ve watched plenty of tape on him and probably already know that,” Love said.
“I would definitely take a fellow Aggie myself,” he continued. “So we’ll see what happens. I’m excited to see where he ends up.”
Royals joined Utah State in 2022 and appeared in 12 games without recording a stat. He broke out in 2023, earning First-Team All-Mountain West honors after leading the team with 1,080 yards and a school-record 15 receiving touchdowns. In 2024, he made Second-Team All-Mountain West despite a foot injury limiting him to seven games. He still led the team with 55 catches for 834 yards, six touchdowns, and recorded 184 yards on nine kick returns.
Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs could be off the roster by 2026, while Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks—who ranked among the top three for drop rate among receivers with at least 40 targets last year—took a step back in 2024. The long-term outlook for the position group is concerning, and depth is needed.
Jalen Royals fits the mold of a classic Packers draft target. He is athletic, brings vertical speed as a deep threat, and adds value in the short passing game with his versatility. He also offers upside as a returner. Royals should rank high on Green Bay’s board and would be a home-run selection for Brian Gutekunst on Day 2.
