Kenny Lawler (California) - 2016 NFL Draft Pick #243 by SEA
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
Kenny Lawler - Pre-Draft Analysis (2016 NFL Draft)
Position: Wide Receiver
College: University of California, Berkeley
Overview
Kenny Lawler was a standout wide receiver at California, known for his impressive route running, reliable hands, and ability to make acrobatic catches. He played a key role in the Golden Bears' offense, showcasing his skills in a high-tempo passing attack.
Strengths
- Reliable Hands: Lawler consistently demonstrated the ability to catch the ball in traffic and make contested catches.
- Route Running: His precise and disciplined route running allowed him to create separation from defenders.
- Body Control: Lawler exhibited excellent body control, particularly when adjusting to off-target throws and making catches on the run.
- Red Zone Threat: With his size and jumping ability, he was a formidable target in the red zone, scoring numerous touchdowns during his college career.
Weaknesses
- Speed: While not slow, Lawler lacked elite speed, which could limit his ability to stretch the field at the NFL level.
- Blocking: His blocking ability was inconsistent, which could be a concern in run-heavy offenses.
- Separation at Next Level: There were questions about whether he could consistently create separation against NFL-caliber cornerbacks.
Overall Assessment
Kenny Lawler was viewed as a solid prospect heading into the 2016 NFL Draft. His combination of size, hands, and route-running ability made him a potential contributor at the next level. While there were concerns about his speed and ability to separate from top-tier defenders, teams were intrigued by his potential as a reliable possession receiver and red zone target.
Projected Draft Round: 3rd to 5th Round