The Detroit Lions' other fifth-round pick, Kendrick Law, hasn't gotten as much attention as Keith Abney II, who was also selected on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft. But, Law deserves some serious attention headed into OTAs as the Lions look for a cheap means of replacing Kalif Raymond on their special teams unit.
Law, who didn't post very eye-popping stats during his time at Kentucky, is a speedy wideout who could make some noise in camp as Detroit seeks a replacement for Raymond at returner.
Law won't be the only pass-catcher seeking to fill Raymond's shoes in camp. Greg Dortch, Tom Kennedy, Jacob Saylors, and Sione Vaki will all be vying for the job, with Law the only rookie as of now about to throw down for a spot on the Lions' 53-man roster.
Law could be perfect piece of Lions' special teams unit in 2026
In a pre-draft evaluation of Law, NFL draft expert Lance Zierlein wrote:
"Alabama transfer with a compact build whose primary function at Kentucky was to add yards after the catch on quick throws near the line of scrimmage. Law ran a limited route tree, with most of his 2025 targets thrown behind the line. Tight hips dull downfield route breaks and he rarely runs routes at his true speed. He has strong hands to make contested grabs and breaks tackles on a regular basis with the ball in his hands. Law’s special-teams background at Alabama helps but might not be enough for him to stick on a roster."
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This tidbit could be discouraging on your first read, but looking at his numbers in his final collegiate season, it's clear that he has something more to offer under the hood. He was the teams' leading receiver in yards and with 53 total receptions, and he averaged a whopping 10.2 yards per catch.
As also noted by Zierlein, Law's background with Alabama's special teams unit his first three years in college could lend itself to an opportunity with Detroit, as they're could use some additional depth amid their returners. A room of Dortch, Kennedy, Saylors, and Law could be dangerous and versatile.
It feels like this will be Dortch's job to lose as he was brought in specifically by Drew Petzing, but Law's speed and YAC numbers from his Wildcat days should make him a prime candidate for unseating a veteran in OTAs and camp.
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