The Auburn Tigers did not have a player selected in the first three rounds for the first time in 30 years.
The first Auburn player taken was running back Jarquez Hunter in the fourth round. The Los Angeles Chargers selected receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith in the fifth round. The last Auburn player drafted was defensive lineman Jalen McLeod by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Barstool Sports' Jon Gruden voiced his support for the Chargers' selection, calling the Auburn receiver a "great" addition to the franchise.
Lambert-Smith started his college career with the Penn State Nittany Lions. He played four seasons with them before transferring to Auburn in 2024.
"Love this for KeAndre!" Gruden exclaimed. "Will be a great addition in Los Angeles."
Lambert-Smith accounted for 1,721 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in 48 games played for Penn State. He picked up where he left off in his one season with Auburn, leading the team with 981 receiving yards last season.
He was a four-star prospect in the 2020 class in the On3 Industry Rankings. He was out of Maury High School in Norfolk, Virginia.
When Lambert-Smith left Penn State and entered the transfer portal, he was the No. 10 receiver in the On3 Transfer Portal Industry Rankings.
The Chargers also selected running back Omarion Hampton (North Carolina), receiver Tre Harris (Ole Miss), defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell (Oregon), edge rusher Kyle Kennard (South Carolina), tight end Oronde Gadsen II (Syracuse), offensive lineman Branson Taylor (Pitt), safety RJ Mickens (Clemson) and cornerback Trikweze Bridges (Florida).
Other Auburn players who were not selected in the draft included quarterback Payton Thorne, linebacker Eugene Asante, linebacker Philip Blidi, receiver Robert Lewis, linebacker Austin Keys, punter Oscar Chapman, linebacker Isaiah Raikes and linebacker Dorian Mausi.
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