Lions move up 13 spots in fifth round to take WR Kendrick Law

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Allen Park — For the second time in the 2026 draft, the Detroit Lions traded up to land a target. Using a fifth-round compensatory pick (No. 181), plus a sixth (No. 213), the team climbed 13 spots to select Kentucky wide receiver Kendrick Law at No. 168.

Measuring in at 5-foot-11, 193 pounds, Law ran a brisk 4.45-second 40-yard dash and proved to be one of the draft’s most explosive leapers, hitting 42 inches on his vertical.

After spending his first three collegiate seasons as Alabama, Law transferred to Kentucky for his senior campaign. He caught 53 balls for 540 and three touchdowns last season. Operating primarily out of the slot, nearly all of his yardage (505 yards), came after the catch.

Law also has some return experience on the resume, handling 31 kickoffs and four punts during his college career.

Dane Brugler, The Athletic

“Law is unimpressive on paper because of his college usage and underwhelming production. But the tape and testing have NFL evaluators believing there is more to his game. He is lightning quick in short areas and can destroy the balance of open-field defenders with speed to stretch. He is dynamic on slants and stick-and-nods, although his routes show more freelancing than nuance and he is unproven as a downfield target.”

Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

“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.”