Another Shot at the Secondary
The Lions grabbed Arizona State cornerback Keith Abney II with the 157th pick in the fifth round, and honestly? It’s about damn time they started stacking bodies in the secondary. This defense got picked apart by injuries again in 2025, and while this isn’t some earth-shattering move, it’s the kind of depth pick that might actually stick around for more than five minutes.
This isn’t about replacing Terrion Arnold. Let’s be clear on that. This is about finding someone who can actually play the nickel spot without getting torched every other snap. And yes, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., this might be your wake-up call.
What Abney Brings to Allen Park
Abney figures to compete for the nickel job after Amik Robertson walked in free agency. The Lions signed Roger McCreary to fill that void, but competition never hurt anybody in Honolulu Blue. Rakestraw has been more injured than effective, so bringing in fresh blood makes sense.
The kid can play both inside and outside, which is exactly what this coaching staff loves. Versatility keeps you on the roster in Detroit, and Abney’s got enough of it to carve out a role somewhere in this secondary.
College Production That Actually Matters
After riding the bench as a freshman, Abney became a starter in 2024 and stayed there for two seasons. His numbers tell the story: 98 tackles, 21 pass deflections, six interceptions, two forced fumbles, and a sack across 26 starts. He was a key piece in Arizona State’s 2024 CFP playoff run.
He made All-Big 12 Second Team in 2024, then jumped to first team in 2025 while earning PFSN All-American honors. Not bad for a fifth-round pick.
The Good and the Concerning
PFF loves this kid’s tackling, ranking him seventh among cornerbacks with an 87.6 grade. He allowed just 32 catches on 72 targets for 321 yards and zero touchdowns in 2025. Compare that to 550 yards and four touchdowns in 2024, and you see clear improvement.
But here’s the catch. Thirteen penalties in two seasons as a starter. Thirteen. That’s the kind of number that gets you benched in Detroit faster than you can say “illegal contact.” His hands get him in trouble, and at five-foot-nine, he’s not winning many jump balls against bigger receivers.
Double moves give him fits too, which is concerning when you’re facing the kind of route-runners this division throws at you twice a year.
Low Risk, Decent Upside
This feels like the kind of pick that could quietly work out. Some had Abney graded as a Day 2 selection, so getting him in the fifth round represents solid value. The Lions need guys who can make plays on the ball, and this secondary has been lacking in that department.
Worst case scenario? He’s depth and special teams fodder. Best case? He actually wins the nickel job and gives this defense another reliable piece. Given how many cornerbacks have cycled through this roster over the years, having options never hurts.
Is this the steal of the draft or just another body for the inevitable injury carousel? Tell us what you think below.
Finally someone who can actually compete for snaps in the secondary. I like the versatility angle too – keeps him on the field in different situations which is huge for a fifth rounder. This is the kind of smart depth move that actually helps when injuries inevitably hit.
I get the optimism but 13 penalties in two seasons is a red flag I can’t ignore. That’s the kind of stuff that gets you out of the rotation quick in this league. Hope I’m wrong but I’m not holding my breath.
This reminds me of some of the depth guys we used to grab back in the day that actually turned into something. You take your shots in the fifth round and hope one sticks. Abney’s got the tools on tape, that much is clear.