Kenny Lawler NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Seahawks Rookie

POSITIVES

A fade-route specialist, Kenny Lawler developed a special chemistry with quarterback Jared Goff going into the 2015 season. That connection led to 52 catches, 658 yards and 13 touchdowns in Lawler's junior season, which would prove to be his last at Cal.

Lawler tracks the ball beautifully in the air and shows the footwork and body control to adjust over either shoulder and pull in the ball. He's able to either create a basket to let the ball drop in over the top or turn, leap and attack the ball in the air depending on the coverage he's seeing.

Lawler has good length (33 ⅜") and hand size (10 ½"), which makes him a threat in the red zone. His 13 touchdowns in 2015 highlight what he can do on back-shoulder fades and pylon routes. He's able to create separation with his leaping skills but also with crafty footwork that hides his intentions from cornerbacks until the moment of truth.

NEGATIVES

Soft over the middle, Lawler wanted nothing to do with the physical Utah defense when asked to fight for the ball. He wants to live outside the hashes and run fades all day. When asked to be a threat over the middle, Lawler struggles to play to his size.

In charting his tape, Lawler dropped seven passes in 2015, many of them in contested situations. He does not like to be played with a strong arm and will let it affect his play. Lawler also only played right wide receiver in the Bear Raid offense, which will present an interesting development aspect if and when he's asked to be a more diverse route-runner in the pros.

Without the deep speed to run away from NFL coverage, Lawler will have to tighten up his routes when asked to break over the middle or come back to the ball. He won't be athletic enough to consistently win over the top with just speed and acrobatics against pro coverage.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 6'2 ½"

Weight: 203 lbs.

40 Time: 4.64s

3-Cone: 7.13s

Short Shuttle: 4.20s

PRO COMPARISON: Eddie Royal, Chicago Bears
FINAL GRADE: 6.00/9.00 (Round 3—Future Starter)