KeAndre

Lambert-Smith

As far as Day 3 wide receiver prospects go, Lambert-Smith intrigues. The former Auburn and Penn State receiver brings field-stretching 4.37-second Forty speed and averaged 2.70 yards per route run in his final college season. The Chargers retooled their wide receiver personnel this offseason, giving newcomers a chance to prove themselves in a shifting landscape. Lambert-Smith has a long way to go before he becomes relevant in re-draft formats, but he makes for a smart late-round dynasty add.

Lambert-Smith (6’1/190) spent four seasons at Penn State (2020-2023) before transferring to Auburn for his final season. At Auburn, Lambert-Smith led the Tigers with a line of 50-981-8 (all career-highs) while averaging an impressive 19.8 YPR, which ranked eighth amongst all FBS receivers (min. 50 targets), per PFF. Lambert-Smith put four 100-yard games on his resumé last season, which included three-straight 100-plus-yard performances to close out the year, and his ability to create yards after the catch may prove to be an underrated part of his game. In three of his five seasons, Lambert-Smith averaged over seven yards of YAC/RAC, and leaves the college game with a career YAC/REC of 7.0. For comparison, Tet McMillian and Travis Hunter averaged 5.5 YAC/REC and 4.4 YAC/REC for their careers, respectively. Despite these plus elements to his game, Lambert-Smith struggled with drops (8.8 percent drop rate) and route running, and has an underwhelming 36.6 contested catch rate for a player who spent 80.6 percent of his time playing on the outside.

Lambert-Smith (6'0/172) was injured on a reception that set up the Nittany Lions for a first-and-goal deep in Iowa territory. The freshman was able to walk off under his own power, but he did so with a slight limp.

Lambert (6'0/172) was deciding between PSU, UNC and Virginia Tech, with the former two teams the top contenders for his pledge. Chalk it up as a win for Nittany Lions HC James Franklin and staff. The Norfolk, Virginia, native plays with an advanced mind in terms of his route-running and has lateral quickness in spades. There is also plenty of room on his frame to add bulk once he hits Penn State’s strength and conditioning program upcoming. On the 247Sports composite board, Lambert lands as the No. 182 overall prospect in the 2020 class.

While the Hokies are a contender for Lambert’s pledge, Farrell passes along that UNC and Penn State look to be the top dogs in this battle. The analyst notes that the Tar Heels’ heavy presence, here, is very much due to the influence of HC Mack Brown -- indeed, he believes without Brown, the 6-foot, 172-pound wideout probably wouldn’t be looking at UNC at all. Rivals ranks the Norfolk, Virginia, native as the No. 5 prospect in the state for the 2020 cycle. Should Virginia Tech miss out on this one, as it looks like they might, it will be a tough blow. Lambert is the cousin of former Hokies star Kam Chancellor.

Lambert (6'0/172) has already turned in two official visits -- to Penn State and Ohio State -- and indicated to Rivals that he would like to make use of his other three allotted officials. He has not, however, settled on which programs will draw those trips in the weeks ahead. If he wants to investigate the above four programs more closely, one is going to be out of luck for an OV. The Norfolk, Virginia, native is eyeing an October commitment announcement. On the field, Lambert is a sharp route-runner with a frame that could easily hold more weight without sapping any athleticism. Rivals ranks Lambert as the No. 5 prospect in the state of Virginia for the 2020 cycle.

Lambert (6'0/172) will be heading out on an official visit to Happy Valley this coming weekend, with his Columbus official set for the weekend of June 14. 247Sports analyst Brian Dohn compares the Norfolk, Virginia, native to Los Angeles Rams WR Robert Woods, writing that Lambert "[r]uns tight routes” and "[g]ets into and out of breaks efficiently” while noting that he can “easily” bulk up to 195 pounds without losing any athleticism. On the 247Sports composite board, Lambert ranks as the No. 245 overall prospect in the 2020 class.