Harris Highlights-Youtube
Mock Draft Headache…
I don’t know about you guys, but I am tired of making up mock drafts, only to be thwarted with another huge move affecting the top-10. I’m waiting until the day before Mike Mayock releases his, to do another. Be on the lookout for mine early next week. Now onto today’s draft profile.
Lawler the Baller
Skinny, lanky, underweight… these are words that could be used to describe the baller named Kenny Lawler (yes I rhymed). However when looking at the tape, and considering how dangerous it is for a guy his size to be going across the middle, I see this guy as fearless. This Cal Bear is fun to watch, even at his weight. At 6-3, 195 lbs. don’t let the lightweight fool you. He will have a day on any unsuspecting corner. Don’t believe me? Take a look at this highlight tape below.
Sacrifice your body for the game!!
Harris Highlights usually gives the tip of the iceberg, when it comes to the full player review. I appreciate them allowing me to use the footage, but we all know highlight reels are self explanatory, but that is why I am here. Anyway, the majority of Lawler’s catches from the video are away from the body. He fully extends to snag the rock out of the air. I love a player who uses their hands to catch the ball and not his arms. Those who use more of the body to make catches aren’t as likely to stretch out to make the big plays. They actually tend to get “alligator arms”, and make “business decisions”. It was clear as day that Lawler was not one of those guys. He knows the hit is coming after the catch, and makes the play anyway.
An APEX kind of guy
Another thing about Lawler is the guy can climb the ladder for big catches. The catches I’ve seen him make in the additional tape I’ve watched was simply amazing! He goes up and snatches the ball with authority.
No QB left behind…
The last positive on this guy is that he does not leave his QB hanging. He comes back to the ball. Most WRs at both the NFL and college level do not run a stick route the way it was intended to be ran. This All Pac-12 first team player comes back to the ball; his 13 TDs in 2015 are indicative of just that.
Knock Knock…
Ok with all that love I just showed this grown man, I have to shed light on the weak areas as well or I would not be a legit analyst. Lawler plays fast with the quick-twitch muscles, and great feet but his 40-time says otherwise. He and Laquon Treadwell must have the same speed trainer because they both ran 4.65 40s. It’s almost upsetting because you are going to see a guy with this much talent not make the play because he can’t get off the line. CBs at the next level do not respect players who can’t beat the jam or do not have proper speed.
Fine-tuning
As “light in the pants” as this guy is, he will need to develop a more elusive technique at the line of scrimmage, in order to survive. He will not have as many free releases at the line in the future.
NFL Player Comparison…
If I had to compare this player to anyone it would be another former Cal Bear Keenan Allen. Keenan emerged on the scene and basically took over the San Diego Chargers’ offense with his knack for making tough catches in traffic. Look for Lawler to gain the weight and build himself in the same mold.
Who needs him right now?
The teams that could best use this guy are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or the New Orleans Saints. Both are teams in desperate need of a sure and fearless set of hands to finish off drives as well as make the tough catch across the middle. Look for Mr. Lawler to come off the board in rounds 2-3 come day two of the NFL Draft.
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Jermaine Lockett is a Writer and CEO for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Facebook or twitter.