The Detroit Lions may have uncovered one of the biggest steals of the 2026 NFL Draft with their fifth-round selection of Arizona State cornerback Keith Abney II.

While cornerback wasn’t viewed as a top priority entering the draft, Detroit made a strategic move to add depth and competition to the secondary. With the departure of Amik Robertson in free agency, the Lions needed a reliable presence in the slot—and Abney could be the perfect fit.

According to ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller, Abney stands out as one of the top value picks from Day 3.

“With pick No. 157, the Lions got a physical, instinctive cornerback who can thrive at the line of scrimmage and excel in press-man coverage. While he lacks elite size and speed, he’s a hard-working slot defender.”

A Perfect Fit for Detroit’s Defense

Abney brings toughness and versatility to a competitive defensive back room that includes Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Christian Izien, and Roger McCreary. He projects as a nickel cornerback who can contribute early, especially in sub-packages.

During his final season with the Arizona State Sun Devils, Abney showcased strong production:

12 passes defended

2 interceptions

2 forced fumbles

His ability to defend intermediate routes and contribute in run support makes him a well-rounded defensive option.

Lions Capitalize on Draft Value

Abney was widely projected as a third-round talent but slid into the fifth round—giving Detroit tremendous value at pick No. 157. That unexpected fall could prove to be a major win for the Lions’ front office.

In 2025, Robertson played a key leadership role in Detroit’s secondary, recording multiple impact plays under defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard. Abney now has the opportunity to develop into a similar contributor as he adjusts to the NFL level.

If his development stays on track, Abney could emerge as one of the most impactful late-round picks in the draft—and another example of Detroit’s strong scouting and roster-building strategy.