SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Seventh-round pick Kenny Lawler lone receiver taken in draft by Seahawks

Apr 30, 2016, 3:28 PM | Updated: 9:03 pm

RENTON — The Seahawks used their second-to-last pick in the draft on Kenny Lawler, a possession-type receiver who caught 27 touchdown passes during his three seasons at Cal despite not having tremendous speed.

Two things he does have: massive hands and an ability to win jump-ball situations.

More Seahawks draft content

“I love attacking the ball at the highest point,” he said after Seattle chose him in the seventh round, No. 243. “Just going to get it. That’s my strong point.”

The Seahawks list Lawler at 6 feet 2 and 203 pounds. He hands were measured at 10.5 inches, so big they require size 3XL gloves. They were the first thing general manager John Schneider mentioned when asked what the Seahawks liked about him.

“Arguably the best hands in the draft,” Schneider said before mentioning Lawler’s body control and ability to adjust to the ball. “Real long arms. He’s a leaner guy that didn’t run especially fast; that’s why he slid.”

Lawler ran a 4.64 in the 40-yard dash at the scouting combine and a 4.63 at his pro day. That’s not particularly fast, but Schneider said some of his strengths compensate for his lack of speed.

Lawler was the go-to receiver for quarterback Jared Goff, who was drafted No. 1 overall by the Rams. He was a first-team All-Pac-12 selection last season after catching 52 passes for 658 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Asked about his decision to leave Cal early, he said: “I felt like I had accomplished a lot, and I was ready to take the next step in my career. I’m just happy that the Seahawks got me.”

Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks Tremayne Anchrum Jr....

Brent Stecker

Seahawks add Tremayne Anchrum Jr to O-line in free agency

The Seattle Seahawks have made guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr. their third signing to the offensive line in free agency.

3 hours ago

Seattle Seahawks Jerome Baker LB linebacker...

Brent Stecker

Huard: What Seahawks’ new LBs do better than Wagner, Brooks

The Seattle Seahawks have replaced Jordyn Brooks and Bobby Wagner with Tyrel Dodson and Jerome Baker. Brock Huard compares the two different duos.

6 hours ago

Seattle Seahawks Pharaoh Brown...

Brent Stecker

GM Schneider believes Seahawks have ‘great fit’ in new TE combo

Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider explains why he likes returning tight end Noah Fant and new signing Pharaoh Brown together.

19 hours ago

Seattle Seahawks George Fant...

Brent Stecker

What GM Schneider says plan is for Seahawks’ returning OL Fant

George Fant returns to the the Seattle Seahawks after four years as a starter for two other teams. So what's in store for him in 2024?

1 day ago

Seattle Seahawks NFL Draft brock Bowers...

Brandon Gustafson

Analyst says Georgia TE Bowers ‘makes perfect sense’ for Seahawks

NFL Network's Bucky Brooks shares why he likes the idea of the Seattle Seahawks taking Georgia tight end Brock Bowers in the NFL Draft.

1 day ago

Seattle Seahawks Jerome Backer free agency...

Brandon Gustafson

Seahawks sign linebacker Jerome Baker to 1-year deal

The Seattle Seahawks have another new linebacker joining the mix in Jerome Baker, who spent the last six years with the Dolphins.

2 days ago

Seventh-round pick Kenny Lawler lone receiver taken in draft by Seahawks