Lions Select Slot WR Kendrick Law Kentucky #168

The Den
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I found a longer highlight video today (and I fully realize highlights are a limited view), and it was showing the highlights in the order of the Kentucky games.

For the first 6 games, almost every “catch” Law had was a bubble screen or a touch pass off jet sweep motion.

Then a change happened in game 7.

They started throwing him passes 5+ yards downfield.

Quite a few were just 5 yard hitches, but they also figured out they could hit him on out routes easily. The CBs were backing off him due to his speed, particularly when they motioned him into a stack formation that gave him a free release.

And they also hit him on a deep throw that he seemed to track quite well. He has been a return man all the way through college, so that might not be too surprising.

Another thing I have mentioned already is that he weighs 203 pounds. This guy is built pretty well for 5’10.5” tall.

@Nate just posted about a guy comparing his blocking to Hines Ward. Ward was only an inch taller, and weighed 8 pounds less coming out of school.

Deebo Samuel? He’s 5/8 of an inch taller, and was 11 pounds heavier.

Santonio Holmes was same height, weighed 15 pounds less.

Jaylen Waddle is an inch shorter and was 20 pounds lighter.

Zay Flowers is over an inch shorter and 20 pounds lighter.

Steve Smith, Tyreke Hill, Santana Moss, Brandin Cooks, etc. were all shorter guys that could play outside because they were powerfully built and explosive.

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My point?

I am not predicting greatness for a late 5th round pick, but… I also don’t believe this guy is limited to the slot or gadget guy. He has the build and explosiveness to eventually develop into a WR that can play outside as well.

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Right, that’s what Josh Norris was saying in one of those videos I linked above. There IS some potential ceiling that has yet to be tapped into

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Brad said the same thing in his press conference. He said he first noticed Kendrick attending an Alabama game vs Georgia and how he loved his build and how he “moved different.” He made a note of it.

When the draft process came around this cycle and they were reviewing K-Law as a draftable prospect, Brad and the staff connected the dots as the same kid who stood out on a field full of top athletes at Alabama and Georgia. He didn’t stand out for being super productive. He stood out for how he seemed to move a level above everyone else. Our coaching staff is tasked with trying to find a way to unlock this kids potential.

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Those are always gonna be the hardest guys for us to predict. I remember Gibbs was the same way, Brad saw him in an early season game that year and was just struck by how differently he moved. I didn’t know much about Law before this year (I doubt if anyone but Bama fans did) and I didn’t pay too much mind to the WRs beyond a few guys I saw live, which in his case was a complete disservice. I’d heard his name plenty on some of the podcasts I listened to, but if I had seen ahead of time what I’ve seen since we took him, I’m pretty sure he would have been a crush list guy for me. There’s nobody in this class who moves like he does.

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They better have some backfield cross training with this one. Would be a shame not to.

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Zamnnnn

I absolutely love this pick and I didn’t even look at him pre draft

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I just don’t think we’re going to be asking him to do any more than what Kalif did. At best, he’s going to be the #4, without injuries. If an injury happens, sure, turn him loose.

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And that won’t even be year 1. Greg Dorch will be handling that role until Law takes it from him or until Dorch is not resigned here

Greg Dorch 28 years old
Khalif Raymond 32 years old

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We should use him like early 49ers Deebo. Or grow him into that role I guess. Not really the available reps to ascend right away.

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I think I am having a post draft crush on Law.:rofl: He moves different, he’s powerful AND he is a natural hands catcher that plucks the ball out of the air. Even on short pitches for jet sweeps his instincts are to snatch the ball out of the air with his hands.

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While it is normal for a Lions fan to develop a crush on any draftee in the days after selection, if this lasts more than 4 hours, consult your doctor.

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The WR-QB connection is Law & Order. We need to get that sound effect on their highlights.

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anchorman will GIF

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That two-beat “duh-duh” should definitely boom through the stadium every time Law does something. Let’s make it as incessant and annoying as that ■■■■■■■ Vikings horn.

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I just noticed an interesting discrepancy with Law’s height.

I have been looking at the RAS card that shows a 5’10.5” tall height.

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IMG_3126
IMG_31261170×865 89.2 KB

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However, his official measurement at the combine was 5’11.3” tall.

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IMG_31611920×1070 103 KB

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https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2026-nfl-combine-results-full-list-measurements-40-times/

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Identical height and weight to Devin Duvernay, who I’ve seen him comped to. Since Devin had 100+ receptions as a senior, his floor and ceiling were easier to project as a third round pick. Law is a bigger projection with a bigger ceiling in the fifth round BUT we know he’s a core ST standout with returner potential, gunner competition, who will block like a Lions WR should. Did anyone see he has 21 reps on the bench and reportedly can max 450 lbs?!

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Very strange

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The QB play at Kentucky was not good. I am sure that hurt his stock and stats some.

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I had thought they were the same height until I saw that footage of Law running the 40 at the combine.

He is actually 7/8 of an inch taller than Duvernaybased on the official combine measurements.

It’s interesting that you saw them comped because I posted about them being similar earlier in this thread. I hadn’t done enough looking around to find any comps yet… but Duvernay just popped into my head because of his return ability and speed.

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Steve Smith made it work.