The 2025 NFL Draft will begin on April 24, and to prepare for that, we need Bucs fans to be fully prepared in every way. Of course, we will cover players the Bucs will need, but it is important to go beyond that.
In the case of this wide receiver report, we will cover the position here at Bucs Wire because the team needs some better talent at the position.
The Bucs have future Hall of Famer Mike Evans, who will be around for a few more seasons. We are unsure if Chris Godwin will be part of the future, but the fans sure hope he is. Even if they bring back Godwin, the team needs some competition for Jalen McMillan and more depth. This year, more than ever, we have seen the need for depth at the position due to all the injuries they have had to overcome.
With that in mind, here is a wide receiver prospect who could don a Bucs uniform next season.
Player Information
Dec 23, 2023; Boise, ID, USA; Utah State Aggies wide receiver Jalen Royals (1) scores during the first half against the Georgia State Panthers at Albertsons Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports
Player: Jalen Royals
School: Utah State (Previously Georgia Military College)
Year: Fourth-Year Senior
DOB (Age when Drafted): 22
Height (unofficial): 6-0
Weight (unofficial): 195 lbs.
Player Background
Sep 30, 2023; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Utah State Aggies wide receiver Jalen Royals (1) is congratulated by quarterback Cooper Legas (5) after running the ball for a touchdown against the UConn Huskies in the second half at Rentschler Field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
0-star recruit according to 247 Sports Lettered in football, basketball, and track and field in high school Finished 7th in State title Broad Jump competition 2nd team All-Mountain West in 2024 Career Stats
Sep 30, 2023; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Utah State Aggies wide receiver Jalen Royals (1) is congratulated by quarterback Cooper Legas (5) after running the ball for a touchdown against the UConn Huskies in the second half at Rentschler Field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Receptions: 126
Receiving Yards: 1,914
Yards Per Reception: 15.2
Receiving Touchdowns: 21
Drops: 9
Notable PFF Numbers from the 2024 season
Sep 30, 2023; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Utah State Aggies wide receiver Jalen Royals (1) runs the ball for a touchdown against the UConn Huskies in the second half at Rentschler Field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Receiving Grade: 80.3
Yards Per Reception After Contact: 7.9
Average Depth of Target: 9.4
Yards Per Route Run: 3
Contested Catches: 5
Player Strengths
Sep 30, 2023; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Utah State Aggies wide receiver Jalen Royals (1) makes the touchdown catch against the UConn Huskies in the second half at Rentschler Field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Route Running
Jalen Royals could be an instruction manual for what you want out of a receiver in terms of route running. His entire body has no wasted movement, and he uses it to stay ahead of defenders in coverage. Sprinkle in decisive cuts, footwork, and fluid hips, and you will have yourself some clean route running from Royals.
YAC Ability
Utah State utilizes his YAC ability in more than just ways than just as a receiver. They use him in the return game, where there are plenty of examples of him making the most out of nothing. His vision allows him to find running lanes, and once he hits them, he can go off to the races with explosive play.
Body Control
Jalen Royals demonstrates great body control when he is running his routes. He really shows off though when he attacks the ball in the air or if he is working his way through traffic as a ball carrier. He is able to maintain his balance and keep momentum going with his technique and control.
Trait Grades
Sep 30, 2023; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; Utah State Aggies wide receiver Jalen Royals (1) makes the catch against UConn Huskies defensive back D'Mon Brinson (3) in the second quarter at Rentschler Field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Hands: 7
Release: 7
Route Running: 6.7
Separation: 6
Contested Catches: 7
Ball Tracking: 6.7
Body Control: 7
YAC Ability: 7
Agility: 6
Size/Strength: 6
Player Summary
Sep 3, 2022; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Eli Ricks (7) pressures the Utah State Aggies wide receiver Jalen Royals (37) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 55-0. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
Senior Bowl Director Jim Nagy says, "If you can play, we will find you," and for Jalen Royals, that rings true. Starting out at the Georgia Military College and then going to Utah State speaks volumes about his work ethic. His route running is crisp, and his footwork and hip movement are seamless, resulting in him being a fantastic wide receiver prospect. He will need some development in the NFL, but I truly believe if you can afford to make him your project on a depth chart, the return would be worth it.
Grade: 6.6
Projected Role: Can become a good starter within 2 years