Detroit Lions add CB depth in fifth round, snagging ASU's Keith Abney

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Allen Park — The Detroit Lions added cornerback depth in the fifth round, selecting Arizona State’s Keith Abney No. 157 overall.

Undersized, but with good speed, the 5-foot-10, 188-pound Abney appeared in 26 games the past two seasons, intercepting five passes during that stretch. In 2025, he allowed just 44.4% of 72 throws his direction to be completed, resulting in a 46.1 passer rating.

Primarily an outside cornerback for the Sun Devils, he expressed an openness to moving to the slot during the scouting combine in February.

Dane Brugler, The Athletic

“Abney is an undersized, feisty cover corner with athletic balance, core strength and endurance cultivated over 10-plus years of high-level competitive inline skating as a kid. Highly alert in zone, he has an outstanding read-react twitch in his plant and drive from depth. In man coverage, he is effective at turning and anticipating routes before undercutting them. His on-ball production reflects his talent, although the coverage penalties also reveal discipline that’s a work in progress. He plays with physicality, and missed tackles are rare on his tape.”

Lance Zeilein, NFL.com

“Feisty boundary corner with the makeup to slide inside and become a problem for offenses as a pro nickelback. Abney’s coverage IQ and competitiveness are loud on tape. He pairs impressive instincts and recognition with the ball skills of a receiver. He’s physical in press, but he loses ground and picks up penalties when it hits the third level. His top-end speed and closing quickness from depth are average. He’s also average in mirroring a shifty release, so rookie reps inside could be a little bumpy. Abney profiles as a zone-match nickelback with a physical press presence.”

Todd McShay, The Ringer

“A good comparison for Abney is Upton Stout, a 2025 third-round pick who is coming off a promising season playing nickel back for the 49ers. Stout moved as a senior in college but primarily played wide receiver prior to that. Abney and Stout have similar frames, length, speed and competitive playing styles.”