Patriots visiting with under-the-radar SEC receiver ahead of draft
Patriots visiting with under-the-radar SEC receiver ahead of draft
The New England Patriots are hosting Auburn wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith on a top-30 visit, per The Draft Network's Justin Melo.
Lambert-Smith played for four seasons at Penn State, before transferring to Auburn prior to the 2024 season. He caught 50 passes for 981 yards and eight touchdowns last year. For his collegiate career, he tallied 176 receptions for 2,702 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Currently, he is projected to fall somewhere in the sixth round, according to NFLDraftBuzz.com. New England could pick him up as a depth option at the position in the later rounds. This is notable, as they can focus on more premium positions earlier on.
Lambert-Smith is a playmaker who functions best as an outside receiver. The Patriots could certainly benefit from more playmaking on the outside, as well as another weapon for second-year quarterback Drake Maye.
Most view wideouts Demario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte as sixth-round steals for the team in 2023. Perhaps Lambert-Smith has the talent to someday be viewed in the same light.
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