Former Auburn Tigers WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith is considered an NFL Draft steal due to his impressive skills, versatility, and potential to make an immediate impact at the professional level.

The NFL Draft is one of the most scrutinized events in professional sports, as teams look to secure the next wave of talent that will shape their franchise’s future. Every year, some players rise to prominence, while others, despite possessing elite skills, tend to fly under the radar. For many, this can create the phenomenon of a “draft steal”—a player selected later than expected, but who, over time, proves to be one of the most impactful additions to a team.

One such player who may be classified as a “draft steal” in the making is KeAndre Lambert-Smith, a wide receiver who spent his college years at Auburn University. While he may not have received as much national attention as some of his peers in the 2025 NFL Draft class, there are compelling reasons why NFL scouts and analysts are high on Lambert-Smith’s potential. His impressive skills, versatility, and the potential to make an immediate impact at the professional level are just a few of the attributes that make him a sleeper pick.

In this article, we will delve into why KeAndre Lambert-Smith is considered an NFL Draft steal in the making. We will explore his time at Auburn, his skill set, what he brings to an NFL team, and why he might just be the type of player who ends up exceeding expectations at the next level.

Auburn Years: From Promising Talent to Draft Prospect

KeAndre Lambert-Smith’s college career at Auburn wasn’t without its share of challenges and growing pains. However, throughout his time as a Tiger, he showcased remarkable potential that caught the eye of scouts and analysts. His journey at Auburn was about more than just developing as a player; it was about overcoming adversity, adapting to various systems, and becoming a leader in a competitive SEC environment.

Lambert-Smith was originally recruited as a highly touted wide receiver from Virginia, where he had been an electric player in high school. His ability to stretch the field with speed and his strong hands to win contested catches were two of the most lauded aspects of his game. However, his development as a polished receiver took time. Auburn’s wide receiver corps underwent changes during his tenure, with several other talented players vying for attention. Yet, Lambert-Smith’s progression year by year stood out.

In his earlier years at Auburn, Lambert-Smith worked on refining his route running and building chemistry with the Tigers’ quarterbacks. It was clear from the outset that he had the physical tools to be a successful player at the next level, but like many wide receivers transitioning from high school to college, consistency was key. Throughout his college career, Lambert-Smith steadily improved his ability to get open, fight for the ball in traffic, and develop into a more complete wide receiver.

In his senior season, Lambert-Smith became one of Auburn’s most reliable targets. His athleticism, paired with the experience he gained, helped him make key catches in crucial moments, showcasing his ability to handle high-pressure situations. Despite playing for a team that faced numerous challenges throughout the season, Lambert-Smith’s talent remained a constant. By the time he declared for the NFL Draft, his stock was on the rise.

KeAndre Lambert-Smith’s Skill Set: A Receiver with All the Tools

What separates a “draft steal” from an average pick is often the combination of raw talent, untapped potential, and an innate understanding of the game. KeAndre Lambert-Smith has all these characteristics, making him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams.

Speed and Agility

One of Lambert-Smith’s standout features is his speed. At 6 feet 2 inches and weighing around 200 pounds, he possesses a well-built frame that allows him to separate from defenders with ease. His top-end speed is impressive, and while he may not be the fastest wide receiver in the draft, his ability to accelerate off the line of scrimmage and change directions in tight spaces makes him a nightmare for defenders trying to keep up.

As a wide receiver, speed is essential in the NFL, where cornerbacks are fast, and defensive schemes are designed to make the most of any receiver’s weakness. Lambert-Smith’s quickness in and out of breaks gives him a real advantage when running short, intermediate, and deep routes. He can create separation almost immediately and take advantage of a defense that overcommits to the deep ball. His agility and quick burst after the catch also allow him to make plays in space, turning short throws into big gains.

Route Running and Hands

Another critical component of Lambert-Smith’s skill set is his route running. Early in his college career, he was raw, often relying more on his physical attributes than his technique. However, by his senior year at Auburn, Lambert-Smith had become a much more polished route runner, understanding how to use subtle movements to create separation from defenders. His ability to get in and out of breaks, adjust to the coverage, and find soft spots in zone coverage made him a more reliable target for Auburn’s quarterbacks.

While speed and agility are important, hands are often the deciding factor when a wide receiver is evaluated. Lambert-Smith’s catch radius is excellent, and he has demonstrated the ability to make tough catches in contested situations. Whether it’s battling for the ball in traffic or extending for an off-target throw, Lambert-Smith has the strong hands and body control needed to secure catches in critical moments. His ability to track the ball downfield and his ball skills in contested situations will translate well to the NFL, where windows for completions are often small, and defenders are relentless.

Versatility: Inside and Outside

Another major asset in Lambert-Smith’s favor is his versatility. At Auburn, he was used in a variety of ways, lining up both outside and in the slot. His ability to play multiple roles in an offense will give him an edge when transitioning to the NFL, where versatility is highly valued. Whether he’s running a deep post route on the outside or running a quick slant in the slot, Lambert-Smith has the skills to succeed in various roles within an offensive scheme.

NFL teams are always on the lookout for players who can contribute in multiple ways. With his skill set, Lambert-Smith can be a player who can line up anywhere and be effective, whether it’s stretching the defense deep, making plays in the short to intermediate range, or serving as a quick option in the slot.

Why KeAndre Lambert-Smith is a Draft Steal

Despite possessing all the tools that many of the top wide receiver prospects have, KeAndre Lambert-Smith is still flying under the radar for many NFL teams. This can be attributed to several factors.

Inconsistent Quarterback Play

One of the factors that hurt Lambert-Smith’s draft stock was the inconsistent quarterback play at Auburn during his time there. With changes at the quarterback position and a lack of stability under center, Lambert-Smith didn’t always have the benefit of a top-tier passer to help elevate his game. While he certainly flashed his potential, the lack of consistency in the passing game made it difficult for him to put up eye-popping statistics.

However, many NFL scouts look past the stats and evaluate a player based on the tape. When you watch the film, it becomes clear that Lambert-Smith has the ability to dominate at the next level. His combination of speed, route running, and hands all point to a player who can make an immediate impact in the NFL, regardless of his college statistics.

Unpredictable Draft Stock

Lambert-Smith’s draft stock is further impacted by the nature of the NFL Draft itself. In a class with highly touted wide receiver prospects, it can sometimes be difficult for players who aren’t at the top of the rankings to receive the recognition they deserve. Players like Lambert-Smith, who have all the physical tools but might not have had the same level of exposure as others, can often fall under the radar.

However, these players are often the ones who make the biggest impact at the next level. History has shown that many of the top wide receivers in the NFL weren’t selected in the first round, and many became stars despite not having the same level of hype as some of their peers. Lambert-Smith’s potential to be one of these players makes him a candidate to become a draft steal—someone who exceeds expectations once given the opportunity to showcase his abilities in the NFL.

What NFL Teams Will Get in KeAndre Lambert-Smith

A team that selects KeAndre Lambert-Smith in the mid to late rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft will be getting a player with the potential to make an immediate impact. He brings versatility, speed, and a solid work ethic to the table, which are all qualities that can make him an asset to any NFL team.

Lambert-Smith’s skill set could fit well into a wide range of offensive schemes. He could be a deep threat on a team with a quarterback known for pushing the ball downfield, or he could be a dynamic option out of the slot in an offense that emphasizes quick passes and yards after the catch. Additionally, his ability to contribute on special teams—especially as a return man or blocker—could further increase his value.

Most importantly, Lambert-Smith is the type of player who thrives in competition. His hunger to improve and his drive to succeed will make him a valuable piece to any roster looking for a wide receiver who can contribute right away.