At this time last year, a speedy, physical rookie receiver seemed to be surging up the Los Angeles Chargers' depth chart, carrying over his momentum from the NFL Scouting Combine and the pre-draft process into a pairing of strong preseason performances.
That was KeAndre Lambert-Smith, whom the Chargers selected in the fifth round of that year's Draft.
But things didn't truly unfold for Lambert-Smith as a rookie. He was largely sidelined within Greg Roman's stagnant passing offense, posting just five receptions for 51 yards and a touchdown. As fellow rookie Tre' Harris worked his way into the regular course of the offense, Lambert-Smith was consistently sidelined.
Now, Lambert-Smith is facing an even greater challenge. While he still holds major upside as a pass-catching threat, Mike McDaniel's propensity for multiple tight-end sets could create a competition for the fifth (or final) WR spot on the roster. It seems, for now, that Derius Davis has successfully defended his job as the return man, leaving Lambert-Smith perhaps as the odd man out.
But that doesn't mean it's over for the second-year receiver. He'll get the chance to shine in preseason action, and that's where a turnaround of his fortunes can truly begin.
KeAndre Lambert-Smith needs a major preseason showing to lock down his spot on the roster
In theory, Los Angeles can easily carry six receivers into the new campaign— Quentin Johnston, Ladd McConkey, Tre' Harris, Brenen Thompson, Davis, and Lambert-Smith.
But during his time in Miami, McDaniel often carried less than five receivers. His offense depends heavily on 12 and 13 personnel (which utilize just one or two receivers on the field at the same time). While opportunities for explosive plays and consistent targets will be more reliable in his scheme for the Chargers' top receivers, their peripheral weapons could suffer. That includes Lambert-Smith.
Lambert-Smith, though, has already shown us what he can accomplish in preseason action. Last preseason, he posted four receptions for a whopping 109 yards and a touchdown. Combined with his strong showings in team drills, he was one of the darlings of last year's training camp.
But in McDaniel's scheme, he has a chance to truly show out. He has both the speed and the fluidity in the open field to take advantage of the timing routes and YAC opportunities that will be staples of McDaniel's air attack. He's also made multiple big plays in practice, on a couple downfield heaves from Justin Herbert, that prove he's still got juice left in the tank.
Lambert-Smith, though, is in a position that many second-year players find themselves in. No longer is he the drafted rookie with a clear-cut path to the roster. There's a chance the Chargers want to use an extra roster spot on the outside linebackers or the offensive line, and the onus is now upon Lambert-Smith to prove he's still worthy of a role in the Los Angeles offense.
The starters will warm up but won't play in the Chargers' first preseason appearance. When preseason action kicks off against the Houston Texans on Aug. 13, Lambert-Smith will be one of the primary pieces to keep an eye on.
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