Lawler wore size XXXL gloves in college and told the San Francisco Chronicle that even those were a 'little tight.'
RENTON — The first thing Seahawks general manager John Schneider mentioned about Cal receiver Kenny Lawler, a seventh-round pick: his hands.
Lawler wore size XXXL gloves in college and told the San Francisco Chronicle that even those were a “little tight.” Schneider said Lawler had “arguably the best hands in the draft.” Lawler left school a year early.
Seahawks in 2016 draft
Round 1, Pick 31
OL Germain Ifedi, Texas A&M | Bio
Round 2, Pick 49
DT Jarran Reed, Alabama | Bio
Round 3, Pick 90
RB C.J. Prosise, Notre Dame | Bio
Round 3, Pick 94
TE Nick Vannett, Ohio State | Bio
Round 3, Pick 97
OL Rees Odhiambo, Boise State | Bio
Round 5, Pick 147
DT Quinton Jefferson, Maryland | Bio
Round 5, Pick 171
RB Alex Collins, Arkansas | Bio
Round 6, Pick 215
C Joey Hunt, TCU | Bio
Round 7, Pick 243
WR Kenny Lawler, Cal | Bio
Round 7, Pick 247
RB Zac Brooks, Clemson | Bio
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If Lawler can help the Seahawks, it will likely be in the red zone or with contested catches.
“That’s a big strength of mine,” he said. “I love dominating it. I love attacking the ball at the highest point.”
Schneider admitted Lawler is a bit thin — analysts think he might struggle with contact in the NFL at 6-2 1/2, 203 pounds — and he didn’t run very fast in his workouts before the draft.
But Schneider said Lawler’s hands, his long arms and his body control are intriguing.
“Those are the factors that will compensate for that deficiency,” Schneider said.
Lawler seemed especially emotional and appreciative after the Seahawks drafted him. During pauses in his interview, he would say, “Man, oh man,” as if he was stunned.
“It’s just knowing that my hard work paid off,” Lawler said, “that it didn’t go unnoticed.”