Who Should I Start? Malik Washington or Jalen Royals

Monday, January 6, 12:22 PM

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington caught four of five targets for 48 yards in the season-ending 32-20 loss to the New York Jets. The rookie took on a more significant role later in the season with the injury to Jaylen Waddle (knee) and the lack of depth Miami has at the receiver position. In the last four games, Washington saw more targets, receptions, and yards than he had in any stretch this season. Tyreek Hill will surely be parting ways with the organization in the offseason, and he could find himself in a more prominent role when the 2025 season starts. Time will only tell, but the rookie has shown a level of promise that he looks to build off of when the NFL season comes around in September.

Thursday, July 24, 2:10 PM

Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Jalen Royals "took most of his repetitions with the first-team offense" during the team's practice on Wednesday, according to ESPN's Nate Taylor. Taylor notes that Royals worked alongside Chiefs wideouts Hollywood Brown and Xavier Worthy, while Rashee Rice was "oftentimes" on the sideline. With Rice facing a suspension to begin the season, it appears as though Royals may be the leading candidate to earn playing time in his absence. Kansas City drafted Royals in the fourth round of the 2025 draft out of Utah State. He played in just seven games last year in college but still managed 55 catches for 834 yards and six touchdowns. The Chiefs also have veterans JuJu Smith-Schuster and Skyy Moore, who could step into a bigger role while Rice is sidelined. It's a good sign for Royals that he appears to be the preferred option early in camp.