Trending Now: 07/19/2025 - Lambert-Smith’s Path Clearing
Veteran wide receiver Mike Williams has officially retired at age 30, ending an eight‑season NFL career just as training camp opened.
With Williams stepping away, the Los Angeles Chargers suddenly have an open roster spot — and rookie KeAndre Lambert‑Smith could be the biggest beneficiary.
When Was Lambert‑Smith Drafted?
- The 6-foot-1, 188‑lb receiver was selected in the fifth round (158th overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft, coming off a strong senior season at Auburn where he posted 981 yards and eight touchdowns.
- At the NFL Combine, Lambert‑Smith turned heads with a blistering 4.37-second 40-yard dash, adding serious deep-threat potential.
What Lambert‑Smith Brings
- His elite 4.37 40-yard time gives him immediate appeal in Best Ball and fantasy formats if he earns significant snaps early .
- SI reports he’s already building rapport with Justin Herbert in camp, even scoring a touchdown in seven-on-seven drills — a promising sign he’s ahead of expectations.
Supporting Cast vs. Struggling Options
The Chargers’ young WR room now looks like this:
- Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Tre Harris (2025 second-round pick): graded as reliable supporting options.
- Derius Davis and Jalen Reagor, have yet to make their mark offensively in prior seasons.
With Williams gone, the fourth spot in the rotation is wide open — and it’s shaping up as a three-way battle between Davis, Reagor, and Lambert‑Smith.
Year-One Upside
- Lambert‑Smith’s track speed (4.37) and 19.6 yards per catch in college (981 yards on 50 receptions in ’24) make him a field-stretching threat.
- If he sticks as the fourth receiver, Deep Ball consistency alone gives him fantasy relevance (especially in Best Ball formats), while showing enough route variety to avoid being pigeonholed.
Final Thought
Mike Williams’s retirement shakes up the Chargers’ receiver depth chart — but it opens a golden opportunity for a fifth-round pick. KeAndre Lambert‑Smith, armed with elite speed and early chemistry with Herbert, is the top beneficiary. If he sticks on the roster, his explosive ability could translate into fantasy upside — especially with Best Ball appeal in Year 1.
Stay tuned as camp progresses; this receiver race — and its fantasy ramifications — is one to watch.
Comments
Post a Comment