Rookie WR Kenny Lawler makes strong first impression with Seahawks

8:09 PM ET

After the Seattle Seahawks took Kenny Lawler in the seventh round of the draft, the wide receiver was asked to offer up his 40-yard dash time.

“My best time in the 40?” Lawler asked with a laugh. “Within the pre-draft? The best time I ever clocked? Or just anywhere? I remember one time, my coaches right before last season clocked me, they said I had a 4.47. But I got clocked at 4.63 [at the combine]. I’m over the 40 times right now. I just want to go play football for the ‘Hawks.”

Lawler’s time (actually a 4.64) ranks in the 11th percentile among wide receivers and helps explain why he lasted to the 243rd overall pick.

But the Seahawks have shown in the past that they’re not worried about where guys get taken. They want to see what players can accomplish once they get into the program. With Lawler, the scouting and coaching staffs have reason to believe he can compensate for the lack of speed with other factors.

Lawler is 6-foot-2, has long arms (33 3/8 inches) and huge hands (10.5 inches). He does an excellent job of high-pointing the ball and shows good body control. In other words, he doesn’t necessarily need to separate or be open to make a play.

On …

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