Tim Twentyman
The Detroit Lions turned their attention to bolstering the secondary with the selection of Arizona State cornerback Keith Abney II with the first of their two fifth-round picks Saturday.
A two-year starter for the Sun Devils, Abney played mostly outside cornerback. He was an extremely productive player, recording 21 passes defended and five interceptions over those two seasons.
Opposing passers had a completion percentage of just 44.4 when throwing at Abney in 2025, which ranked fourth in the FBS among corners who saw 60-plus targets.
At 5-10, 187 pounds, Abney has the type of instincts, ball skills, physical traits and football IQ to potentially kick inside and compete for Detroit's open nickel cornerback spot. The Lions like versatile defenders in the backend of their defense and Abney provides more of that.
Abney is an aggressive cornerback in man coverage, which resulted in being flagged 13 times the last two seasons, but the Lions like that physicality. Improved technique work should help alleviate the penalties.
On 72 targets faced in 2025, Abney allowed zero touchdowns and a passer rating of just 46.1, per Pro Football Focus.
