The Chargers needed to upgrade their wide receiver group after a third of quarterback Justin Herbert’s throwing yards came from non-wide receiver players.

The Bolts brought back Mike Williams (who went on to retire on the first day of training camp), extended Jalen Reagor and drafted two wide receivers in this year’s draft.

Day 3 draft selection KeAndre Lambert-Smith has impressed Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, with Knox calling Lambert-Smith a steal of the 2025 NFL Draft after two preseason games.

“The Los Angeles Chargers entered the 2025 offseason needing to improve their receiver depth.

During the draft, they used a second-round pick on Mississippi receiver Tre Harris before coming back and drafting Auburn’s Keandre Lambert-Smith in Round 5,” Knox wrote.

“Many fans (and fantasy enthusiasts) are expecting big things from Harris as a rookie. However, his draft mate has generated plenty of in-house buzz during training camp.”

“Lambert-Smith certainly has the physical tools to make an early impact. With a 6’1”, 190-pound frame and 4.37-second speed, he can generate mismatches as a perimeter target…

Don’t be shocked if Lambert-Smith pushes Harris, Quentin Johnston and the recently re-signed Keenan Allen for playing time next to Ladd McConkey this season.”

KeAndre Lambert-Smith On The Hall of Fame Game

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith was one of the shining moments for the Bolts in the Hall of Fame game as he led LA with 43 receiving yards and caught a touchdown.

“I got pressed and just converted a route to a fade,” Lambert-Smith said after the game, via the Chargers website.

“Just showed the trust the receivers gain from the QBs, willing to take those one-on-one shots when the opportunities present itself.”

“I’m happy I could just make the play, which is going to ultimately allow us to get more opportunities. A great throw by Trey [Lance].”

The former Ole Miss Rebel was targeted twice in the team’s second preseason matchup but didn’t have any receptions.

The lack of play in the team’s second preseason game appears to show that the training staff knows what KLS brings to the team and would rather keep him healthy for the regular season.

Wide Receiver Room

Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receivers Tre Harris (left) and KeAndre Lambert-Smith (right)

As said earlier, the Chargers made many additions to the wide receiver room.

With incumbents McConkey and Johnston likely to be the two main starting receivers and the return of Allen (who has chemistry with Herbert).

KeAndre Lambert-Smith’s performance in the Hall of Fame game seemed to solidify his spot in the wide receiver room lower in the depth chart.

The wide receiver appears to continue his hot streak throughout training camp, as he is taking snaps with the first team and getting targeted by Justin Herbert.

If he can continue to build on, KeAndre Lambert-Smith could get good playing time in his rookie season.