KeAndre Lambert-Smith of Auburn Makes an Impression with the Tigers at the Combine
The NFL Scouting Combine is one of the most important events for college football players hoping to transition into the professional ranks. For many, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase their talents, athleticism, and preparation for NFL scouts, coaches, and general managers. At the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, a wide receiver from Auburn University, seized the moment to elevate his draft stock and make a lasting impression on scouts.
Lambert-Smith, who had a solid but not explosive career at Auburn, was determined to prove that he could be one of the top wide receivers in the upcoming draft. The Combine presented him with the perfect stage to highlight his skills and potentially increase his draft stock. In this article, we take a deep dive into Lambert-Smith’s performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, the aspects of his game that stood out, and how his journey to the Combine has shaped his future in the NFL.
Early Life and College Career
KeAndre Lambert-Smith’s journey to the NFL Scouting Combine was one marked by resilience, hard work, and steady improvement. Born and raised in the state of Alabama, Lambert-Smith’s football journey began at a young age, where his natural athleticism and football IQ helped him rise through the ranks of high school football. His combination of size, speed, and ball skills made him a standout in his local community, and his high school performance attracted the attention of college recruiters.
Upon committing to Auburn University, Lambert-Smith faced high expectations as a freshman. However, his first few years at Auburn were largely overshadowed by the program’s inconsistency, and Lambert-Smith had to wait his turn to be the focal point of the offense. Despite the team’s struggles, Lambert-Smith managed to develop into a reliable target for Auburn quarterbacks. Over the course of his college career, he demonstrated flashes of brilliance, making acrobatic catches and proving his ability to stretch the field as a deep threat.
Despite the lack of a marquee, star-studded career at Auburn, Lambert-Smith’s raw talent and potential were undeniable. He caught several highlight-reel passes during his time with the Tigers, making key plays in critical moments of games. As he entered the 2024 season, it was clear that Lambert-Smith was ready to take his game to the next level. The NFL Scouting Combine was the perfect stage for him to prove his abilities to scouts from every NFL franchise.
The Build-Up to the Combine
As the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine approached, KeAndre Lambert-Smith knew that this was his opportunity to showcase everything he had worked for over the years. While he was not one of the most talked-about wide receiver prospects heading into the combine, Lambert-Smith was determined to leave a lasting impression. He had been training rigorously in the months leading up to the event, working on his strength, speed, and route-running ability to make sure he was ready for the intense physical demands of the Combine.
Like many top prospects, Lambert-Smith enlisted the help of renowned trainers and NFL veterans to prepare for the combine. The training regimen focused on enhancing his explosiveness, hand-eye coordination, and his ability to run clean, precise routes—traits that are highly valued in the modern NFL. His work ethic and commitment to improving his craft in the lead-up to the Combine made him confident that he could exceed expectations.
In addition to the physical preparation, Lambert-Smith also mentally prepared for the pressure of the event. He knew that NFL scouts would be evaluating his every move—his speed, his hands, his ability to separate from defenders, and his agility. Beyond the on-field drills, he understood that his interviews with teams, his football IQ, and his ability to interact with coaches would also play a significant role in shaping his draft stock. His primary goal was to prove that he had the complete package: the physical tools, the mental acuity, and the maturity to succeed at the next level.
Lambert-Smith’s Performance at the Combine
When KeAndre Lambert-Smith stepped onto the field at the NFL Scouting Combine, it was clear that he was ready to make an impression. From the moment he took his first steps in the 40-yard dash to the final route run in position drills, Lambert-Smith left an undeniable mark. His performance stood out in several key areas, and scouts took notice.
Speed and Agility
One of the first drills at the Combine is the 40-yard dash, and for wide receivers, it is arguably the most important test. Speed is a crucial trait for any receiver, especially in the modern NFL, where teams value deep threats who can stretch the field. KeAndre Lambert-Smith posted a time that surpassed expectations, clocking in at an impressive 4.39 seconds. This time placed him among the fastest receivers at the Combine, putting scouts on notice that he had the speed to compete at the next level.
What was perhaps more impressive than his raw speed was his agility. In the 3-cone drill, which measures a player’s ability to change direction quickly and efficiently, Lambert-Smith displayed exceptional fluidity. His ability to make sharp cuts and maintain balance during the drill demonstrated that he not only had straight-line speed but also the lateral quickness necessary to create separation from defenders. These drills confirmed that Lambert-Smith was not just a deep threat but a well-rounded athlete who could excel in multiple aspects of the game.
Route Running and Hands
While speed and agility were undoubtedly key highlights of Lambert-Smith’s performance, perhaps the most important facet of his combine showing was his route running. Route running is one of the most nuanced aspects of a wide receiver’s game, and it can often determine a player’s ability to succeed in the NFL. At the combine, Lambert-Smith showcased an advanced understanding of how to create separation with his footwork and head fakes. His ability to run crisp, clean routes drew praise from NFL coaches and scouts, who noted his potential to contribute to an offense early in his professional career.
Lambert-Smith’s hands were also a point of emphasis. In one-on-one drills, he displayed impressive ball skills, making difficult catches in tight spaces. Whether it was a back-shoulder throw or a contested catch in the end zone, Lambert-Smith showed that he could consistently catch passes in all situations. His catching technique was smooth and reliable, with very few drops during his drills. This type of hands consistency is a key asset in the NFL, where receivers must consistently secure passes from different quarterbacks in varying conditions.
Physicality and Blocking
While many scouts and analysts focus heavily on a receiver’s ability to run routes and catch passes, blocking is also an underrated yet highly valued trait for NFL wide receivers. Lambert-Smith showed that he was more than just a pass-catcher by excelling in blocking drills during the combine. His willingness to engage with defenders and sustain blocks showed that he had a complete understanding of what it takes to be an effective member of the offense.
The ability to block effectively on the perimeter is crucial in today’s NFL, especially with the growing emphasis on outside running schemes and quick passes in space. Lambert-Smith’s physicality, combined with his blocking technique, illustrated that he could contribute not only as a receiving threat but also as a key player in a team’s overall offensive scheme.
Interviews and Character Evaluation
In addition to his on-field performance, Lambert-Smith’s interviews and character evaluation played a significant role in shaping his draft stock. NFL teams were not only looking for physical attributes but also wanted to know about the player’s maturity, football intelligence, and ability to handle the rigors of professional football. Lambert-Smith impressed teams with his professionalism and maturity in interviews. He demonstrated a strong understanding of the game and a deep passion for improving his craft. Teams were also impressed by his leadership qualities and his ability to communicate effectively with coaches and teammates.
Mental Toughness and Resilience
Throughout his college career, Lambert-Smith had faced numerous challenges, from injuries to inconsistent quarterback play, but he always responded with resilience. He showed that same mental toughness at the combine, pushing through fatigue and pressure to perform at a high level. This mental fortitude stood out to NFL teams, who know that success in the league requires not only physical ability but also the mental toughness to overcome obstacles.
The Impact on Lambert-Smith’s Draft Stock
KeAndre Lambert-Smith’s performance at the NFL Scouting Combine was a game-changer. His impressive 40-yard dash time, strong route running, reliable hands, and physical blocking all made a clear statement: he was a well-rounded, NFL-ready wide receiver. His combine showing elevated his draft stock, and many scouts who had previously viewed him as a mid-round prospect now saw him as a potential late first-round or early second-round pick.
While Lambert-Smith had already been on the radar of several teams prior to the Combine, his performance solidified his place as one of the top wide receiver prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft class. Teams looking for a versatile receiver with the ability to contribute both as a pass-catcher and a blocker saw Lambert-Smith as a player who could make an immediate impact on offense.
