With the Next Pick: Auburn WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, one player whose name is generating significant buzz is Auburn wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith. A transfer from Penn State, Lambert-Smith made an immediate impact in his lone season with the Tigers, showcasing his skills and potential as a top-tier wide receiver.
Early Life and College Career
KeAndre Lambert-Smith hails from Norfolk, Virginia, and began his collegiate career at Penn State. During his time with the Nittany Lions, he accumulated 126 receptions for 1,721 yards and 11 touchdowns. In 2024, he transferred to Auburn, where he continued to develop his game and further his football career.
2024 Season at Auburn
In his sole season with Auburn, Lambert-Smith delivered an impressive performance, earning Second Team All-SEC honors. He recorded 50 receptions for 981 yards and 8 touchdowns, averaging 19.6 yards per catch. Notably, he ended the season with three consecutive 100-yard games, bringing his total to four for the season, just 19 yards shy of becoming Auburn’s first 1,000-yard receiver in 25 years .
Scouting Report
Lambert-Smith stands at 6’1″ and weighs 190 pounds. He possesses a 4.37-second 40-yard dash time and a Relative Athletic Score of 9.03 out of 10, indicating his athletic prowess . His strengths include fluid mobility, impressive contested catch ability, and the long speed to beat defenses over the top. He also demonstrates good ball-tracking skills and body control, particularly when running comeback and curl routes .
However, some areas for improvement have been noted. There are concerns about his explosiveness out of stance and burst on in-breaking routes. Additionally, his play strength is considered average, and he has been described as getting jammed by physical press-man coverage. Furthermore, his route tree is somewhat limited, primarily consisting of quick game routes like comebacks and curls .
NFL Draft Projection
Lambert-Smith is projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. His combination of size, speed, and production makes him an intriguing prospect for teams seeking a developmental wide receiver with upside. Teams like the Cleveland Browns, who are looking to bolster their receiving corps, have shown interest in adding depth to their roster, and Lambert-Smith could be a valuable addition .
KeAndre Lambert-Smith’s journey from Penn State to Auburn has been marked by growth and achievement. With his impressive athleticism and playmaking ability, he is poised to make an impact at the next level. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on Lambert-Smith as he looks to continue his football career in the professional ranks.
