Arizona State kid we all liked. Keep it here
Awesome, awesome pick
12 Likes
More CB depth always good. Abney was a favorite for a lot of people.
1 Like
The juice is the question for sure, and why he fell.
I didn’t love this guy but I know a lot of people did. Here in the 5th seems crazy! Can’t be mad at that one
2 Likes
For the record this guy was the 29th player on the board for me. Overall.
17 Likes
The lack of juice is also why Branch fell 
3 Likes
Swap him for Rolder in their respective rounds and everyone who’s upset with how high they took him will be happy. Abney is solid, Amik-esque
7 Likes
Exactly this is a guaranteed HIT 
1 Like
Arizona State cornerback Keith Abney II is widely projected as a top-70 prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft, likely coming off the board in the second or early third round (Day 2). Often considered a premier nickel cornerback prospect, his 5’10", 187-pound frame may limit him to interior duties, though he brings high-level ball production.
Great value, evidently.
9 Likes
The ESPN guys are fawning all over this pick so looks like you guys were on to something.
7 Likes
Abney = Amik
Love it
2 Likes
PFF’s No. 50 overall player.
Why’d this guy slip?
Write up says his short area quickness is top notch and his speed on film is way better than his testing speed. I won’t pretend to know a goddamn thing about him, but based on what I’ve read, guaranteed All-Pro, obviously.
5 Likes
CBs fell
Starting round 1
Excellent value. Kiper says “it’s hard to believe he’s available her in the fifth.”
From NFL.com 
Keith Abney II
Arizona State
CB
Prospect Info
College
Arizona State
Hometown
Class
Dallas, TX
Junior
Height
5’9 7/8"
Weight
187 lbs
Arm
30"
Hand
9 3/4"
Prospect Grade
6.20
Will eventually be average starter
75Good
2026 Draft Results
Drafted by
Detroit
Lions
Round 5 ‧ Pick 17
Score Breakdown
Score Breakdown
Production Score
74
2026 Combine CB Rank: 11th
Athleticism Score *est
67
2026 Combine CB Rank: 21st
Total Score
75
2026 Combine CB Rank: 13th
Combine Results
u-unofficial
40-Yard Dash
–
10-Yard Split
–
Vertical Jump
–
Broad Jump
–
3-Cone Drill
–
20-Yd Shuttle
–
Bench Press
15
Reps
Player Bio
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2023: Played in 8 games as a reserve and on special teams (2 tackles, INT).
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2024: Led team with 9 PBUs. Tied for the team lead with 3 INTs. Started all 14 games (52 tackles).
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2025: First-team All-Big 12 Conference. Led team with 12 PBUs. Tied for the team lead with 2 INTs, 2 FFs. Started 12 games (44 tackles, sack).
– by Chad Reuter
Analysis
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Draft Projection
Round 3
NFL Comparison
Taron Johnson
Overview
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.
Strengths
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Compact build with good balance and strong lower half.
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Practice battles with Jordyn Tyson sharpened his game.
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No free rides given from his physical brand of press.
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Keys quarterback closely while managing route threats.
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Searches for certain routes like a hitter looking for a pitch in baseball.
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Competes hard at the catch-point, racking up ball production.
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Plays the throw like it’s intended for him when in position.
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Bodies up and finishes tackles at a good rate.
Weaknesses
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Lacks length and top-end speed for vertical challenges.
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Has issues losing positioning late, even when in-phase.
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Flagged for 13 penalties in the last two seasons, per PFF.
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Prone to chomping on double moves.
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Short-stepper with average closing quickness from the top of his drop.
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Needs improvement at slipping blocks in run support.
Sources Tell Us
“He’s trusted and well-respected in (Arizona State’s) building. Very competitive and very smart.” - AFC regional scout
GRADE
3 Likes
Yes, one of my fav players. Feisty as hell and has good ball skills. Will definitely piss off fans sometimes with PI’s tho. He’s like Terrion in that regard. Wouldn’t be totally shocked if he is our starting NB next year.
1 Like