When Keith Abney II joined Arizona State, he was expected to be the Sun Devils' slot/nickelback corner. However, due to an unfortunate injury, Abney was thrust into outside cornerback role, where he remained throughout his college career.
Abney will have to be ready in case a similar story unfolds during his rookie season with the Detroit Lions.
Frequently projected to be a third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Abney fell to the Lions in the fifth-round. Abney's stature and his frequent penalties have both been cited as the reason for his fall, but the Lions' pick has generally been seen as one of the bigger steals in the draft.
After the pick, general manager Brad Holmes suggested Abney may "tilt" toward nickel in the NFL, but believes he can play the outside. If he remains in the slot, Abney would have the chance to learn behind veteran Roger McCreary, who signed a one-year deal with the team in March.
So far, Abney was seen getting reps at both outside and inside with the second team during minicamp, along with special teams as a gunner, showing that the Lions are approaching Abney's role as open ended. Seeing what works and what doesn't before training camp begins in late-July.
Abney's name may be called upon again on the outside
As the saying goes, "History doesn't repeat itself, but it often rhymes." History could rhyme again for Abney, who joins a team likely to play him in the slot, but circumstances lead to him starting on the outside.
It's not just Terrion Arnold's release after his arrest that could lead to Abney starting on the outside. The Lions' other projected starter on the outside, D.J. Reed, is recovering from a season-ending hamstring injury last season, and had to fly out of the country to receive stem cell treatment during the offseason. It remains to be seen how Reed will look once games are being played again.
Because of those current uncertainties, it's possible both outside corner starter spots could be open at some point between now and the end of the 2026 season.
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Despite that possibility, the Lions' depth at CB is shaky as it stands now. Rock Ya-Sin impressed in relief of Reed last season, and would almost certainly be Dan Campbell's first choice to start among internal candidates. Ennis Rakestraw Jr. is healthy again, and will attempt to make his case for a backup job on the outside during training camp. Beyond that, there are veterans like Nick Whiteside and Khalil Dorsey who could fill in.
Abney may not be who the Lions have in mind on the outside if the need does arise this season. Yet, if history is any indication, not only will Abney be ready, but he could lock in the starting role for the foreseeable future.
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