The Detroit Lions may have uncovered a potential late-round steal in Keith Abney, selecting the versatile cornerback in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Chosen with the No. 157 overall pick, Abney arrives from Arizona State Sun Devils football as a defensive back capable of contributing in multiple roles. The former Sun Devils standout has the flexibility to play both outside corner and nickel, making him an intriguing addition to Detroit’s secondary.
Versatility has long been a defining part of Abney’s game. While speaking with reporters after being drafted, he emphasized his willingness to line up anywhere in the defensive backfield if it helps the team win.
“I’m willing to play anything. I view myself as very versatile,” Abney explained. “I just never got to play nickel at ASU because of the depth we had. I was actually the starting nickel going into my sophomore year, but a player on the outside transferred out, so I moved back outside. Then this year we had injuries, so I stayed outside to keep elite play on the boundary.
“But there were times where the coaches told me if someone went down, I had to step in. So I know all the positions on the back end, and I have no problem playing inside or outside.”
During his collegiate career at Arizona State University, Abney established himself as a physical press-man corner who consistently made plays on the ball. Over three seasons, he recorded six interceptions and regularly disrupted opposing passing attacks.
His best season came in 2025, when he tied for the team lead with two interceptions and two forced fumbles. Abney also led the Sun Devils with 12 passes defended, showcasing his ability to impact games in multiple ways.
The strong campaign earned him first-team All-Big 12 honors and an impressive 86.3 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking 19th among 897 qualified cornerbacks nationwide.
Despite standing at 5-foot-9 and 187 pounds, Abney believes his football intelligence gives him a major advantage on the field.
“That’s something I pride myself on—being a smart player, watching a lot of film, understanding concepts, formations and tendencies,” Abney said. “I think that’s my best attribute, along with my feet and my toughness. That’s why I love this fit. It’s a tough team that I’m joining, and I feel like I’m going to fit right in.”
Although Abney did not expect to still be available in the fifth round, he was thrilled when Detroit selected him. The Lions had already become one of his favorite teams after the culture shift led by head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes beginning in 2021.
“Man, the wait doesn’t even matter. I’m just glad to be a Lion,” Abney said. “It means everything. A great program, great culture, great coaches, great people around. I’m just blessed to be here. I’m feeling all the emotions. I even dropped a couple of tears. It’s a dream come true.”
As he prepares for his rookie season with the Lions, Abney’s mindset is simple: do whatever it takes to help the team win.
“I just want to win games,” he said. “If it takes me playing nickel, that’s what we’ll do. Outside, safety—anything. I just want to win. Whatever the coaches need to put the team in the best position, I’m willing to do it.”
