Detroit is clearly looking to stockpile run-stopping defenders, with their 157th overall pick being spent on Arizona State defensive back Keith Abney II. Their first Day 3 pick, used to grab Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder, was another effort from the Lions to try and land young talent that excels in run defense.
Abney was projected as a 3rd round pick by NFL draft expert Lance Zierlein, so there was some great value to be had with this pick from Detroit. With a few question marks in their defensive back room, namely due to health, it was important for the Lions to add legitimate competition through the draft. Abney is that.
FanSided's draft expert, Mike Luciano, had some exciting things to say about ESPN's10th-ranked cornerback's potential at the next level:
"The big riddle surrounding Abney is where his positions in the pros will be, as some GMs will likely limit him to the slot exclusively due to his 5-10 frame. However, no matter where he lines up, his combination of speed, playmaking instincts, and bone-jarring tackling ability that belies his size make him someone that can kick-start an entire secondary on the back of his energy."
Energy, tackling, and run-stopping are three traits Detroit could absolutely use on their 2026 roster, so this pick genuinely feels like another great swing from general manager Brad Holmes.
Abney could elevate his game with Lions
Another small but mighty cornerback, D'Angelo Ponds, landed with the New York Jets following a pick swap between the Lions and Jets, but the Lions still managed to snag an energetic, undersized DB.
Abney can play as a nickelback in defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard's defense, providing relief to Detroit's versatile defensive back room. While he's on the smaller size, it's unlikely that the Lions would try and get him to excel outside of his limit, which is likely as a slot corner.
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He has the heads up mentality to cause problems for quarterbacks looking for an easy out on intermediate passes, and he can be a ball hawk: he led the Sun Devils in pass breakups in 2025 with 12.
With four more picks after Abney, the Lions should be happy with who they've got in tow through five rounds of the draft. They've addressed their biggest roster needs, while also adding some meaningful depth in their linebacker and DB rooms.
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