Injuries plagued the Kansas City Chiefs last season, severely impacting their offensive capabilities. The absence of Rashee Rice due to a knee injury in Week 4, along with Marquise Brown's delayed return from preseason injuries until Week 16, hindered the team's performance. To bolster their receiving corps and mitigate future injury risks, the Chiefs drafted receiver Jalen Royals in the fourth round, aiming to provide depth and a reliable option for quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Elijhah Badger, the Kansas City Chiefs' recently signed undrafted free-agent wide receiver from Florida, is entering a promising situation to secure a spot on the roster. His diverse background includes roles at Arizona State and Florida, where he showcased impressive speed (4.43 40-yard dash) and versatility, excelling in both short and deep routes. Badger's game is complemented by his kick return abilities, leading the Pac-12 in return yards.

The competition for slot touches is stiff with Rashee Rice and Jalen Royals also vying for snaps, but Badger's speed and size make him a unique asset that can stretch defenses vertically. Concerns about his past academic issues and injuries exist, yet his potential to create mismatches could give him the edge needed to thrive in the Chiefs' high-octane offense.

As the 2025 NFL Draft wraps up, savvy fantasy managers are diving into their draft preparations, aiming to snag undervalued players who can be impactful on their rosters. Identifying potential breakout stars can lead to a significant edge over competitors, especially when managing through injuries and underperformers. This year, five sleepers are emerging as intriguing targets for your fantasy football draft.

Rashee Rice, a wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs, is a prime example. Despite a devastating LCL injury sidelining him for the 2024 season after just three games, his impressive metrics prior to injury indicate significant potential. With a remarkable 35% targets per route run, Rice’s performance reflects a promising opportunity for a bounce-back season. Managers should keep a close eye on this talented receiver as he recovers and aims to reestablish himself in a high-octane offense.

Kaleb Johnson, Josh Downs, Tucker Kraft, and Jordan Mason round out the list of underappreciated players. Each of these athletes possesses unique skills and opportunities in their respective roles that could be leveraged in 2025 drafts. Targeting these players could help create a balanced roster capable of overcoming any setbacks throughout the fantasy season.

The Kansas City Chiefs' wide receiver situation has seen considerable turnover recently, with the team drafting several players to bolster their ranks. Among them is Skyy Moore, chosen with the 54th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Despite a promising college career where he amassed just under 1,300 yards, Moore has struggled in the NFL, accumulating fewer than 500 yards over three seasons. He has been outperformed by younger talents like Rashee Rice and newly drafted Jalen Royals.

Royals, selected in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, presents a new dynamic for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, showcasing impressive stats in his final college season, averaging nearly 120 yards per game despite playing only seven games. The Chiefs' decision to draft another receiver signals potential changes in their receiving corps, possibly putting Moore's future with the team in jeopardy.

The Kansas City Chiefs are looking to the future, particularly with the addition of wide receiver Jalen Royals from the 2025 NFL Draft. Director of Player Personnel Ryne Nutt noted the similarities between Royals and current standout Rashee Rice, highlighting their comparable playing styles and attributes. Royals, who showcased impressive stats at Utah State, including 55 receptions and six touchdowns in 2024, is expected to contribute significantly to the Chiefs' offense, particularly in the run after catch (RAC) department. His speed, recorded at a 4.40 40-yard dash, and strong hands make him a perfect fit for Kansas City's fast-paced game.

With both Rice and Royals on the roster, the Chiefs are optimistic about their offense's potential, especially as Rice returns from injury. Nutt believes that Royals can step in and make an immediate impact while Rice continues to recover, making their combination a potentially potent weapon for the upcoming season.