Who Should I Start? Jalen Royals or Isaac TeSlaa

Friday, July 25, 1:10 PM

Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Jalen Royals continues to impress early in training camp and had one of the best days on the field during practice on Friday, according to Jesse Newell of The Kansas City Star. Royals had an impressive back-shoulder sideline catch on a pass from quarterback Patrick Mahomes as he continues to work in with the starting offensive unit. The 22-year-old fourth-round selection also turned heads in Wednesday's practice while working alongside Xavier Worthy and Marquise Brown, almost of his time with the first-team offense has come when Rashee Rice hasn't been on the field. It's notable because of the fact that Rice could be suspended three or four games to start the 2025 season, so Royals could have a role early on for the Chiefs. When Rice is available, though, Royals will face an uphill battle for consistent playing time, especially with KC using a lot of two-TE formations.

Monday, August 11, 6:06 PM

Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa "has been turning heads in camp and is working his way into a role within the offense," according to Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. The Lions love "his all-out effort every snap, his strong hands/ability at the catch point, and the way his blocking in the run game stands out," which is important for head coach Dan Campbell. Schultz thinks TeSlaa is a player to watch this year, especially after the Lions made a bold move to trade up to grab him in the third round in this year's NFL draft. The 6-foot-4, 214-pounder has 57 receiving yards and a touchdown in two preseason games working with backup quarterback Kyle Allen, and if he continues to produce, he could factor into the WR3 role alongside Tim Patrick this year. TeSlaa's college production didn't stand out, but he has the size and athleticism to make some noise.