Lions Trade Up for Kentucky Speed Demon in Fifth Round
The Detroit Lions traded up in the fifth round, swapping picks 181 and 213 to Buffalo for pick 168 to select Kentucky wide receiver Kendrick Law. And yes, I know what you’re thinking. Another late-round receiver project.
But hold on. This one might actually make sense.
Law’s story is the classic transfer portal redemption arc. He spent three years at Alabama with minimal production, managing just 343 yards and one touchdown across eight starts. Then he transferred to Kentucky and led the Wildcats with 540 yards receiving and three touchdowns in 2025.
Here’s where it gets interesting. Law isn’t just another body. He’s got legitimate speed.
The Athletic Profile That Matters
At 5-foot-11 and 203 pounds, Law has acceptable size. But his 4.45 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine tells the real story. His overall RAS (Relative Athletic Score) of 9.60 ranked 169th out of 4,190 wide receivers dating back to 1987.
That’s not just fast. That’s elite athletic testing.
The Lions have been burned by athletic testing before, sure. But they’ve also found gems in these later rounds when they target specific traits. Law’s speed could translate immediately on special teams, where he returned 31 kickoffs in college and averaged 22.9 yards per return.
Special Teams Path to the Roster
Between Alabama and Kentucky, Law logged 537 special teams snaps. That’s not an accident. With his athleticism, he could compete for a gunner job right away, and we all know how much this coaching staff values special teams contributors.
It’s the kind of move that makes sense for where the Lions are now. They don’t need another receiver to start immediately. They need depth and special teams help.
The trade leaves Detroit with just two picks remaining: 205 overall in the sixth round and 222 overall in the seventh. After addressing offensive tackle, edge rusher, linebacker, and cornerback in the first four rounds, the Lions are running out of ammunition but hitting their biggest needs.
Law won’t make headlines, but he might make the roster. In Allen Park, that’s all that matters.
Think this late-round speed pick actually has a shot to stick, or are we just collecting track stars again? Drop your take below.
