Fifth-Round Gem: Former Auburn WR Dominating Chargers Training Camp
Wide receiver was a top priority for the Los Angeles Chargers heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. After losing multiple key contributors in the offseason and eventually seeing longtime receiver Mike Williams retire just days before training camp, the team knew it needed fresh talent—and fast. While second-round pick Tre Harris from Ole Miss garnered immediate attention, it’s been fifth-round selection KeAndre Lambert-Smith who’s become the surprise breakout star of training camp. Selected 158th overall, Lambert-Smith arrived in Los Angeles as a productive but underrated receiver who spent his final college season at Auburn. In 2024, he led the Tigers in receiving with 981 yards and eight touchdowns on just 50 catches, earning an impressive 80.4 Pro Football Focus grade. His ability to stretch the field—averaging 19.6 yards per catch—and his sure hands, with just three drops on 79 targets, made him a deep sleeper in the draft.
Now in Chargers camp, he’s proving that he should’ve never flown under the radar. With Mike Williams’ retirement opening up reps and opportunity, Lambert-Smith has taken full advantage. He’s become a daily highlight reel during practices in San Diego, earning praise from teammates, coaches, and media alike. Whether it’s high-pointing a deep ball from Trey Lance in seven-on-seven drills or hauling in a 30-yard bomb on fourth down against tight coverage, Lambert-Smith continues to show that he’s ready for the moment. Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman even compared him to former NFL acrobat Brandon Lloyd, noting that the rookie made "a couple of adjustments today on the ball that you can't coach."
“He’s doing a really good job,” Roman added. “He had two great practices in San Diego.” That consistency and playmaking ability are making it easier for the Chargers to hold off on adding another veteran receiver. With Quentin Johnston having a strong camp, and Tre Harris settling in, Lambert-Smith's emergence gives the team three young weapons to build around for the future—and possibly start contributing right away. Given how he’s performing, Lambert-Smith looks like a lock to make the 53-man roster. More than that, he could very well earn meaningful snaps as a rookie in one of the league’s most promising young passing attacks. Justin Herbert may finally have the supporting cast he needs—and Lambert-Smith is quickly proving he’s a big part of that equation.
