NFL Draft Steals: Former Auburn Tigers WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith

NFL Draft Steals: Former Auburn Tigers WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, many football analysts and scouts are looking at potential draft steals—players who may not have received the attention they deserved during their college careers but possess all the traits necessary for success at the next level. One such player who is making waves as a potential steal is KeAndre Lambert-Smith, a former Auburn Tigers wide receiver. Despite facing some challenges at the college level, Lambert-Smith’s immense talent, work ethic, and untapped potential make him one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft.

In a draft that is often loaded with top-tier talent at the wide receiver position, Lambert-Smith may have flown under the radar in comparison to some of his more highly publicized counterparts. However, with the right development and opportunity, he has the tools to make an immediate impact on an NFL roster. This article will explore the rise of Lambert-Smith from his time at Auburn to his path toward becoming one of the most intriguing “draft steals” of the 2025 NFL Draft.

A Promising Start at Auburn

KeAndre Lambert-Smith’s journey to Auburn was marked by strong high school performances that showed promise for his future at the next level. Hailing from Sarasota, Florida, Lambert-Smith was a four-star recruit with exceptional speed, agility, and ball skills. He attended Sarasota High School, where he quickly became one of the top wide receiver prospects in the country. His ability to stretch the field and make plays after the catch made him a standout player in Florida high school football.

Lambert-Smith’s skill set was immediately evident to the Auburn coaching staff, who were looking to build a dynamic passing attack. He made his college debut in 2022 and showed flashes of brilliance that raised expectations for his future. However, his journey at Auburn was not without its challenges. While he never struggled with the physical aspects of the game, he faced some inconsistency in terms of production and playing time. Despite this, Lambert-Smith’s potential remained undeniable, and he started to make a more significant impact in his final seasons with the Tigers.

The College Career of KeAndre Lambert-Smith

Lambert-Smith’s college career at Auburn was filled with both highs and lows, but it was his development over time that caught the attention of scouts. In his early years, he had to compete for playing time in a deep wide receiver corps, and it took some time for him to establish himself as a consistent contributor. However, in his final years, Lambert-Smith began to show signs of the player he was capable of becoming. He was particularly effective in 2024, when he began to demonstrate his elite talent in a more consistent manner.

During his time at Auburn, Lambert-Smith’s production was relatively modest, but his athleticism and physical traits were always on full display. In his final year with the Tigers, he finished the season with over 700 yards receiving and five touchdowns. His ability to make plays both downfield and in short-yardage situations demonstrated his versatility as a wide receiver. Although Auburn’s offense was not as potent as some of the other high-profile college programs, Lambert-Smith showed that he could be a weapon when given the opportunity.

One of Lambert-Smith’s standout performances came in a game against Georgia, where he registered over 120 yards and two touchdowns in a narrow loss. In that game, he was able to showcase his speed, separation skills, and ability to track deep passes, all of which are key traits that NFL scouts value highly. Games like this were proof that Lambert-Smith had the potential to thrive at the next level, provided he received the proper development and coaching.

Physical Traits: A Profile Built for the NFL

What truly sets Lambert-Smith apart from other wide receivers in this draft class is his physical profile. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 210 pounds, Lambert-Smith combines elite speed with a big-bodied frame, making him an immediate physical threat on the field. His combination of size and athleticism is what draws comparisons to other successful NFL receivers who possess the ability to beat defenders both in the air and after the catch.

1. Speed and Agility

Lambert-Smith’s 40-yard dash time has been clocked in the 4.4-second range, which is impressive for a receiver of his size. His speed makes him a legitimate deep threat, capable of running past defenders on deep routes and stretching the field vertically. What makes his speed even more dangerous is his ability to decelerate quickly and cut on a dime, making him a legitimate weapon in short-to-intermediate passing games as well.

In addition to his straight-line speed, Lambert-Smith’s change-of-direction skills and lateral quickness allow him to create separation from defenders on intermediate and underneath routes. His ability to make defenders miss in open space also adds to his value, as he is a run-after-catch threat.

2. Physicality and Ball Skills

Despite his lean frame, Lambert-Smith has shown that he can play with physicality at the point of attack. His strength allows him to fight through press coverage, battle for contested catches, and shield defenders when making plays. Lambert-Smith has developed strong hands and a knack for tracking the ball in the air, which enables him to secure catches even in tight windows.

His ability to adjust to the football and make catches in contested situations is one of his defining qualities. While he has room to improve his timing and consistency on contested catches, his overall ball skills make him a dangerous target for any quarterback. His hand-eye coordination and catch radius make him a strong option in red zone situations, where he can use his physicality to his advantage against smaller cornerbacks.

3. Route Running and Separation

Lambert-Smith’s route running is another area where he continues to develop, but his natural ability to get open is already one of his strengths. His quick feet and sudden changes of direction allow him to separate from defenders on a variety of routes, from slants to go routes. He is particularly effective on double moves and outs where his quickness can deceive defenders and create significant separation.

Though his route tree is still a work in progress, his ability to recognize defensive leverage and make adjustments during the course of a route is something that will only improve with experience. He already shows the ability to be a polished receiver on slant routes, fade routes, and deep post routes, all of which are key components in a high-powered NFL offense.

NFL Draft Projections: Why Lambert-Smith Could Be a Steal

As with any prospect, KeAndre Lambert-Smith has areas of his game that require improvement. His consistency in his route running and overall feel for the game are things that could take time to develop at the next level. However, what he has going for him is his combination of raw talent, physical traits, and explosive potential.

In the 2025 NFL Draft, Lambert-Smith is expected to be taken anywhere from the third to fifth round, which makes him a potential steal for a team willing to develop him. His upside as a player with the ability to contribute both as a deep threat and a possession receiver could make him a valuable pick for a team looking to add depth and versatility to its wide receiver corps.

Several NFL teams with a need for youthful talent at wide receiver could take a flyer on Lambert-Smith in the middle rounds of the draft. His combination of size, speed, and ball skills fits well into today’s NFL offenses, where teams are looking for players who can create mismatches against cornerbacks and safeties. His potential to contribute in both the passing game and as a special teams player could make him a valuable contributor in the early part of his career.

For teams in need of a big-bodied receiver who can stretch the field and make plays after the catch, Lambert-Smith could be a late-round gem. His upside makes him a high-reward selection for a team willing to invest in his development.

Comparison to Other Draft Steals

Over the years, the NFL Draft has featured players who were not initially viewed as top-tier prospects but went on to have successful careers. Players like Antonio Brown, Stefon Diggs, and Terry McLaurin all had moments in college where they weren’t considered top draft prospects but turned out to be steals in the later rounds. Lambert-Smith has the potential to follow in these players’ footsteps by providing immediate value to a team that is looking for a versatile and dynamic wide receiver.