How he fits, WR Kenny Lawler
By Dan Viens
The Seattle Seahawks selected California WR Kenny Lawler with the first of their two 7th round picks today at the NFL Draft.
The name Kenny Lawler should be a familiar one for NW football fans. He was a playmaking machine for the Cal Golden Bears, racking up over 1,700 yards and scoring 27 TD’s catching passes from #1 overall pick Jared Goff.
MEASURABLES:
- Height: 6’2″
- Weight: 203
- Arm Length: 33 3/8″
- 40 time: 4.64
- Vertical Jump: 31″
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HOW HE FITS WITH THE SEAHAWKS:
For all the clamor over the desire for Seattle to find “big WR’s” Lawler seems to fit their preferred type. He’s not a burner, but runs good routes and is adept at finding seams and working to open spaces against zone coverages.
Here’s what Lance Zierlein had to say about Lawler in his nfl.com draft profile:
STRENGTHS: “Touchdown maker at Cal scoring once every 5.3 receptions. Uses tight, sharp footwork getting in and out of his breaks. Has a feel for finding opening against zone. Runs routes with consistent play speed. Able to get to top speed early. Sinks into comeback routes and works aggressively back to the throw. Snatches the ball away from his body with impressive hand strength. Hands and body control to make the “wow” catch up top or down low.”
His primary “weakness” seems to be his build; he’s rail thin and doesn’t appear to have the type of frame that can sustain more bulk.
Here’s some of the reaction to the Lawler pick on Twitter right after it was announced.
#Seahawks get a steal in the 7th round: WR Kenny Lawler
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) April 30, 2016
#Seahwaks getting Kenny Lawler is brilliant. Great value, and Russell Wilson will love hitting him up in tight situations.
— NFL Spin Zone (@NFLSpinZone) April 30, 2016
Next: How RB Alex Collins fits with the Hawks
Breaking into the Seahawks roster depth chart is a tough task. At the moment, he looks to join a group including Kasen Williams and Kevin Smith as young, play-making, high upside young wideouts trying to make the roster as the 5th or 6th WR. At worst, he’s an intriguing practice squad player who could develop into more.