The Detroit Lions are ready for the next phase of their offseason to begin, and that involves getting players back on the field and competing during the OTA session.
Given the Lions didn't have a rookie minicamp this year, OTA's will provide the first chance to see Detroit's new players on the field and competing. The Lions will have plenty of players ready to come in and prove their worth at various positions.
Arguably one of the biggest spots that will be important to watch is the defensive secondary. There were some major changes to the group, with Amik Robertson moving on, while Roger McCreary came into the mix. The Lions want to see Terrion Arnold look healthy and take a step forward this season, and a better year out of DJ Reed could be significant.
Last year, the team's depth was constantly tested and challenged. As a result, the Lions loaded up on depth this offseason, bringing back veteran Rock Ya-Sin. They also drafted the intriguing Keith Abney II, who could see the field faster than many imagine thanks to his talent and rising profile.
Abney is perhaps the most important rookie to watch in the offseason program for the Lions, because at any moment, he could rise up and make the type of impact needed to see the field instantly in Detroit. The Lions have playmakers and depth at cornerback, but badly need play making. If Abney is that guy, he could stake his claim immediately to a role.
The Lions are hungry for a rising young cornerback to make his case with solid play. Not since the days of Darius Slay have they had a home grown corner burst on the scene and make an immediate, star-level impact. That has the opportunity to change right now with Abney.
Brad Holmes' high praise for Abney following draft could be telling
What eventually happens on the field with regards to the depth chart will be up to Abney to decide with his play, but it's more than obvious that the Lions want to do whatever they can to get the rookie on the field and making an instant impact.
During the draft process, the Lions liked Abney enough to have a higher grade on him than many teams. When he lasted into the fifth-round, Holmes rushed to select him. That selection is being touted as a no-brainer by the general manager given everything the young cornerback can do on tape and otherwise.
"We evaluated (Keith) Abney multiple times dating back to last fall and every single time I always enjoyed it. I think he tilts. He might tilt a little bit more in the nickel at this level, but I do think he can play outside for sure. He's another instinctive guy that can find the football. He can trigger. He can tackle. He's pretty sticky. We had him ranked a couple rounds higher than where he where he was (drafted). So, that was a no-brainer for us."
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It's clear the Lions like Abney's fit, and most importantly, like him in a variety of roles and situations. He's not likely to be limited in what he can do with the franchise as they work to get him on the field. That should allow Abney to develop at his own pace and perhaps get into a flow if he does see regular action. It could set him up to make waves and perhaps supplant a veteran along the way.
Entering Detroit, Abney is in the perfect scenario personally and professionally. Starting during OTA's, he can begin to show coaches, front office personnel and fans why he should not have been slept on in the draft.
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