Royals, a 2025 fourth-round pick, had his debut delayed until Week 3 by a knee issue and never found a rhythm, totaling two catches for four yards on three targets across seven games. Entering Year 2, he's likely no better than the No. 4 option behind Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy and Tyquan Thornton. Kansas City's proclivity for multi-TE formations represents another barrier to opportunities for Royals, though his frame, athletic tools and history of production at Utah State lend credence to the notion that Royals still boasts developmental upside. With Patrick Mahomes rehabbing an ACL tear, Royals may also have limited chances to build chemistry with the starter.