New Lions wide receiver caught Detroit’s attention while at Alabama
The pass-catcher completed his college career at Kentucky before entering the NFL as a fifth-round draft pick.
Olivia Bennett 
Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes first spotted Kendrick Law on a football field during a 2024 Georgia-Alabama matchup. While Law was still competing for Alabama, his explosive build caught the attention of the Lions' front office, even before they knew his name.
A Prospect on the Radar
Holmes recalled asking college reps about the No. 1 playmaker after the game, only to learn he was returning to school. Law eventually finished his collegiate career at Kentucky, where he tallied 53 receptions for 540 yards and three touchdowns in 2025. This followed a three-season stretch with the Crimson Tide that saw him record 33 catches for 343 yards and a touchdown.
By the time the 2026 NFL Draft arrived, Law was firmly on Detroit's radar. The Lions ultimately traded the 181st and 213th picks to the Buffalo Bills to move up and select him at No. 168 in the fifth round.
Versatility and Special Teams
The Lions are looking for Law to provide a spark, potentially filling the void left by Kalif Raymond, who departed in free agency this past March. Beyond his offensive potential, Law brings a reputation as a "four-phase" special-teams asset. In his final two seasons at Alabama, he averaged 24.4 yards on 22 kickoff returns, and he remained active in the return game at Kentucky last season.
"I had no idea about his special-teams ability, and that’s what really elevated him even more," Holmes said. "He’s a dog, man. He’s a football player."
Law echoed that sentiment, noting that for him, special teams are the heartbeat of the game. "I feel like without special teams, football isn’t football," Law said in an interview with the team.
Hitting the Field
Law is set to join his teammates for the start of OTAs this Wednesday. As he integrates into a deep Detroit wide-receiver room that includes All-Pro Amon-Ra St. Brown and standout Jameson Williams, Law is eager to absorb the team's culture. "They’ve welcomed me in just like any other, and I feel like they’re going to paint the way," Law said.
A physical specimen, Law turned heads at the NFL Scouting Combine in February, posting a 42-inch vertical jump—the second-best among receivers—and bench-pressing 21 reps. While his collegiate usage often featured him with the ball in his hands behind the line of scrimmage, he is prepared to prove himself as a complete receiver.
"I’m a ball-in-hand type of guy," Law said. "But the aggression I bring to the game, the passion I bring... I’m a receiver, and I’m going to continue to stick to it."
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