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.
“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.”
