I know many think Abney will return to corner and part of that is based on his size… is it possible he can be the Joseph replacement? Honestly he kind of reminded me of a more rangey quandre diggs in his first action at safety.
Could this be his role moving forward?
Is this AI?
I’ve got no idea what the staff considers Plan A, but I do know that they love when guys can have positional flexibility.
I wouldn’t be shocked if his ultimate usage is more a function of where they’re short in the defensive backfield than it is what they view as his optimum position.
I really don’t think so, you don’t see many safeties who are 5’9 and 187ish. That’s definitely more of a CB size. Even if he spent the offseason bulking up some, safeties have to help cover TE’s and having a 5’9 safety cover a 6’5+ TE is a complete mismatch, no matter how tight the coverage is, he can just outreach him.
I think Abney can help fill the Kerby role for this season, but ultimately we will need a true FS to replace Kerby’s spot and then have Abney continue to develop as either a CB or NB, depending what he fits best at.
No it’s his video I’ll send link
Funny you say that as Diggs is 5’9" 197. He has him in weight obviously but same height and similar game style with Abney being faster with greater agility (testing wise)
Same with Winfield Jr and Honey Badger. I agree it isnt the typical build but his instincts and athleticism may make up for any physical shortcomings. Which this organization has done before with a converted corner was my only reason for raising it.
Well said. Perfect actually
He could go the Diggs route, it’s not as common but it could definitely happen. Diggs has turned in a really nice career.
A Kerby replacement? No… But, and I’m not saying this is what I think will happen, if the Lions and Branch can’t get a contract done, he could be a BB replacement
I dont see Abney in the SS role, NB sure. I think it is NB, CB, or FS. That is of course if he develops more and becomes a reliable starter that we dont view as replacement level.
I am probably wrong here and that is fine i just see his range, instincts, and ball skills as a potential win at FS.
With Kerby not likely ever coming back i suppose i was curious if he could build on last week and become that guy despite the height limitations.
about getting Keith Abney 2
He lacks the range and length to play single high like the Lions really want to do… He’d be great closer to the line in the hybrid NB/S role like BB played his rookie year, same kind of instincts and physicality to his game
He lacks the height and length sure but what metric shows he lacks range in your opinion? Actually curious as his ramge and instincts appear to be pluses on paper and from what i had observed so far.
Like i said i am probably wrong, happens, just curious about the range comment.
Seems like he has average metrics for the role outside of the short shuttle, but my perspective was that his history as a WR and CB, instinctive play, etc could overcome minor concerns of lateral quickness. With that said, i appreciate that he may be limited in the role.
Gruden’s GRINDR
What’s @Phunnypharm doing there ^ shouldn’t he be at work right now ???
right? really well done.
Yeah, Bob Sander was 5’8" but he weighed 206 with an off the charts verticle. Move him around when you have to but don’t let a team game plan on where he will be.