2025 NFL draft: Why the Chargers selected WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith
2025 NFL draft: Why the Chargers selected WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith
The Chargers have double-dipped at wide receiver.
With the 158th overall selection, Los Angeles bet on athletic upside with wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith, a 4.37 40-yard dash runner who will add a strong vertical element to the Chargers offense from the Z position.
Lambert-Smith was a standout at the East-West Shrine Bowl, showing a more diverse route tree than Auburn asked of him, primarily hitches and go routes. While his slight size let defensive backs push him off course, he improved as a catcher in 2024 and immediately upgraded LA's speed from the outside.
With Ladd McConkey and Derius Davis in the slot, as well as Mike Williams and second-rounder Tre Harris at X, the Chargers only missed a legitimate backup for Quentin Johnston at the Z position. Lambert-Smith will fill that role and likely receive 10-12 offensive snaps a game as a designated go-ball threat as a rookie.
The projection will be on special teams, where Lambert-Smith has minimal experience. Theoretically, his speed should lend himself well to a returner or gunner role, but Ryan Ficken will have to spend some extra time working with him to get him into a functional role.
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