Chargers' hyped rookie already in danger of losing his NFL opportunity

This Los Angeles Chargers rookie is surprisingly already in danger of missing the cut heading into his first NFL season.

Oct 23, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; San Diego Chargers helmet on the sidelines against the Atlanta Falcons in the third quarter at the Georgia Dome. The Chargers defeated the Falcons 33-30 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Chargers selected a pair of wide receivers in the NFL draft, bagging Tre Harris in the second round and taking KeAndre Lambert-Smith in Round 5.

The general consensus has been that both pass-catchers will have the opportunity to play pivotal roles in the Chargers' starving aerial attack in 2025, but Jason Reed of Bolt Beat has revealed a stunning prediction about Lambert-Smith: he might not make the roster.

Reed believes that Lambert-Smith will be battling for one of Los Angeles' final roster spots, which certainly comes as a surprise given how much primacy seemed to be placed upon him after the draft.

"Believe it or not, 2025 draft pick KeAndre Lambert-Smith is in a roster battle and is not guaranteed to make the 53-man roster after being drafted. The first five spots are completely locked up in the Chargers' WR room and Lambert-Smith is not one of them," Reed wrote.

This seems strange given how thin the Bolts' receiving corps is to begin with, but then you remember that Lambert-Smith was a Day 3 pick, and they are typically never guaranteed roster slots.

Lambert-Smith caught 50 passes for 981 yards and eight touchdowns at Auburn last season, averaging a very impressive 19.6 yards per carry. The Chargers could definitely use that big-play ability alongside of Ladd McConkey, especially with Quentin Johnston being so inconsistent.

At 6-foot-1, Lambert-Smith also has solid size for the position, which makes him a rather unique candidate. He began his collegiate career at Penn State and spent four decent campaigns with the Nittany Lions before transferring to Auburn after 2023.

Mar 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Auburn wideout Keandre Lambert-Smith (WO27) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

— Enjoy free coverage of the Chargers from Los Angeles Chargers on SI —

More Los Angeles Chargers News:

Chargers’ too-early mock draft can’t resist perfect Jim Harbaugh match

Chargers assistant secures elite ranking among NFL defensive coordinators

Chargers' trip to undrafted free agency nearly tops NFL in spending

Chargers’ biggest offseason miss, question could have nightmare answer

Los Angeles Chargers uplifted with bold take in latest power rankings