There’s nothing more discouraging for a college prospect nearing NFL stardom than suffering an injury while their draft stock is rising. In the grand scheme, it has little impact on their career once they reach the NFL, but it can be a tough blow to their pride if they slip out of the first round.
For NFL teams, however, this can present incredible value in players selected after the first round. Take Seattle Seahawks All-Pro wide receiver DK Metcalf, for instance, who played just 7 games during his junior year at Ole Miss in 2018 and fell to the second round (No. 64 overall) in the 2019 NFL draft.
The Denver Broncos may have a similar opportunity in the 2025 NFL draft, with PFF projecting them to select Utah State wide receiver Jalen Royals in the third round (No. 84 overall) in their latest mock draft.
According to PFF: “Royals missed the last five games of 2024 due to a foot injury but still participated in Senior Bowl week despite not being fully healthy. Even in a shortened season, he was highly productive, recording 58 receptions in just seven games and gaining 440 of his 853 yards after the catch.”
From Junior College to 2-Time All-MWC Selection
Royals, standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 210 pounds, spent one season at Georgia Military College — a junior college — before transferring to Utah State, where he played for three seasons and earned 2-time All-Mountain West Conference honors.
NFL scouts took notice of Royals in 2023 after one of the best individual seasons for a Utah State player, as he recorded 68 receptions, 1,023 yards, and 15 touchdowns in just 12 games. Despite missing five games in 2024 due to a foot injury, Royals still posted impressive numbers, with 853 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns.
“Jalen Royals is a dynamic, playmaking wide receiver with an ideal NFL build,” wrote Bleacher Report’s Dame Parson. “Royals is a precise route runner with quickness in tight spaces that pressures cornerbacks. He creates separation with sudden breaks against man coverage. Against soft press or off coverage, his foot quickness challenges defenders’ reaction times. He attacks defenders’ airspace and uses sharp movements to break free.”
Royals could also offer additional value to the Broncos. Third-year wide receiver Marvin Mims is already a 2-time NFL All-Pro and 2-time Pro Bowl return specialist, but he is expected to be more involved in the offense in 2025. Royals could step into Mims’ role as a rookie, handling kickoff and punt returns.
Broncos Have Several WRs Who Could Ascend
The Broncos currently have just one proven wide receiver in Courtland Sutton and may look to add a tight end as early as the first round of the 2025 NFL draft. However, there’s a promising group of young pass catchers behind Sutton who could emerge as breakout stars.
Marvin Mims may have the highest potential, having posted 30 receptions for 503 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2024. Additionally, there’s 2024 seventh-round pick Devaughn Vele, a 6-foot-5, 210-pound receiver who had 41 receptions for 475 yards and 3 touchdowns as a 26-year-old rookie.
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