Friday, January 23, 2026

2026 Lions Draft Round 5 Pick 157 CB Keith Abney

Keith Abney:

Scouting Reports:










CBS (Pro Comparison: Jarvis Brownlee Jr. Summary: Keith Abney II plays with an aggressive, physical mindset and is at his best when he can keep his eyes on the quarterback and drive downhill to break up passes on short and intermediate routes. While he has the speed to recover from mistakes and the strength to challenge receivers at the line, his tendency to get overly handsy downfield can lead to frequent penalties.  About:  2025: First-team All-Big 12.  2025: Sixth among CB prospects in passer rating allowed (46.1).  Strengths:  Excellent recognition and burst when attacking routes in front of him.  High-level ability to high-point the ball and create pass breakups.  Welcomes contact at the line to disrupt timing and routes.  Weaknesses:  Frequently flagged for grabbing receivers on vertical and downfield routes.  Shows some difficulty when asked to flip his hips and redirect.  Vulnerable to double moves due to his desire to jump routes.  Combine Data - Bench press: 15 reps):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospect-rankings/cornerbacks/

ESPN (Pre-Draft Analysis:  Abney lacks the ideal length for an NFL cornerback, but he has muscle on his frame. He is quick in short areas, using sound footwork to make fast, decisive cuts in any direction. Abney looks quicker on film than his true top speed, but that doesn't stop him from staying in phase with receivers. He can bite too early on initial route stems, allowing for separation or big plays. However, he has displayed the quickness to make up ground and contest the catch. Being able to guard bigger receivers will be a test for Abney at the next level. He could also become a stronger tackler and might have issues competing when stretched vertically. -- Scouts Inc.):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft/rounds

Grades and Analysis:

Rankings:


Video:


Before he was a standout football player at ASU, Keith Abney was an inline skating champion:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpcWsTMsuJg

Articles:

2026 NFL Draft Day 3: 25 Best Players Available (18 Keith Abney II, CB Arizona State - CFN Original.  Projection: Second Round.  Best Second Round Fit: New Orleans (132nd pick).  It's about the measureables. He moves well and is great against the speedy receivers, but he's smallish and won't get too physical. Whatever - he knows how to play the position.):  https://collegefootballnews.com/nfl-draft/2026-nfl-draft-best-players-available-day-3

Detroit Lions Day 3 medically clean NFL draft targets (Cornerback 0: Keith Abney, Chandler Rivers) (4-25-26):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2026/04/25/detroit-lions-day-3-nfl-draft-targets/89791642007/

2026 NFL Draft: 10 best prospects available for Detroit Lions on Day 2 (Keith Abney, CB, Arizona State:  Abney fits a similar mold to D’Angelo Ponds in that he overcomes undersized measurements (5-foot-10, 187 pounds) with disruptive instincts, competitiveness, and ball production. With 9 3/4” hands, he consistently plays bigger than his frame suggests by attacking the football and trusting his reads.  He’s an instinctive cover man with strong read-and-react skills, posting five interceptions and 21 passes defended over the last two seasons. Abney plays with a pest-like temperament in coverage—staying in phase in press situations while also showing the awareness to feel routes and overlap in zone concepts. His game is built on anticipation, positioning, and timing rather than pure length or size. That versatility gives him a clear pathway into multiple roles within the Detroit Lions secondary, with the potential to compete for both outside corner and nickel duties depending on how Kelvin Sheppard deploys personnel, ultimately giving Detroit valuable flexibility on the back end.  Beyond the field, Abney also brings real culture credibility. A member of Kenny Dillingham’s first recruiting class at Arizona State, he’s been widely credited as a foundational piece in building the program’s identity and setting a competitive tone early in the rebuild.) (4-24-26):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-draft/162680/2026-nfl-draft-10-best-prospects-available-for-detroit-lions-on-day-2


NFL Draft Day 2 Gem: CB Keith Abney II (4-17-26):  https://247sports.com/video/nfl-draft-day-2-gem-cb-keith-abney-ii-13751159/

What NFL scouts are saying about Arizona State's top prospects (Keith Abney II:  The consensus appears to be that the All-Big 12 cornerback is solidified as a second-round pick at this stage - not quite in the upper echelon of prospects at the position, but also noticably higher than those that are slated to be taken in the later rounds.  “He’s trusted and well-respected in [Arizona State’s] building. Very competitive and very smart" are the words of a regional AFC scout when discussing Abney's standing among the draft community.  The main factor holding Abney back as a solidified first-round prospect lies in measuring in at under 5'10", but the film, production, and positive things that are said about Abney as a person have to be taken into account.) (4-10-26):  https://www.si.com/college/arizonastate/sun-devils-what-nfl-scouts-saying-about-top-prospects

2026 NFL Draft CB Rankings: LSU’s Mansoor Delane, Tennessee duo lead the way (6. Keith Abney II, Arizona State:  Abney has one of the more unique youth sports backgrounds as a four-time national champion competitive roller skater. That athleticism developed in his lower half shows in coverage, with explosiveness and ankle flexion in the short and intermediate areas of the field. He consistently congests routes and hammers away at the catch point with physicality.  His penalty count in 2025 was simply too high, resorting to grabbing deeper into the route and not trusting his legs to put him in position. He has above-average route recognition, reliability as a tackler and legitimate ball skills that he needs to put more faith in.  Abney will play his entire rookie season as a 21-year-old and the trajectory he’s been on the last two years is extremely promising. He’s an underrated Day 2 cornerback with scheme flexibility.) (4-6-26):  https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/news/2026-nfl-draft-cb-rankings-lsus-mansoor-delane-tennessee-duo-lead-the-way

NFL Draft's top five storylines to watch: Ty Simpson, trades and first-round surprises (CB Keith Abney II (Arizona State): My top cornerbacks in this class are Mansoor Delane, Jermod McCoy, Colton Hood and Avieon Terrell, but Abney is another to watch. He allowed a 46.1 passer rating in 2025 while picking up First Team All-Big 12 honors. Abney is highly competitive and physical, although sometimes to a fault when it comes to penalties. There are teams that will overlook that, because you want your top cornerbacks to be alphas that don't back down from a challenge. That's Abney.) (4-1-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2026-nfl-draft-storylines-ty-simpson/

Arizona State Pro Day: The Players With the Most to Gain (Keith Abney: Speed Could Change Everything
Keith Abney might have the most to gain out of anyone. As a defensive back, his value depends a lot on measurable traits like speed and quickness. If Abney runs a strong 40-yard dash and looks smooth in drills, teams will notice immediately. Defensive backs who can move well and keep up with receivers always get attention, even if they weren’t huge names during the season. For Abney, this is his chance to prove he belongs athletically.) (3-27-26):  https://www.si.com/college/arizonastate/sun-devils-pro-day-the-players-with-most-gain-

Predicting Landing Spots for Arizona State's Top Draft Prospects (3-1-26):  https://www.si.com/college/arizonastate/sun-devils-predicting-landing-spots-for-top-draft-prospects-


NFL Combine: 5 high-character defensive backs for Detroit Lions (Arizona State CB Keith Abney
Size: 6-foot 190 pounds - Quick bio: A two-year starter at ASU, Abney is a bit undersized but known for his feistiness and ability to be a ball hawk. In his last two seasons, he produced 21 passes defended, five interceptions, and two forced fumbles. In 2025, he also produced an 85.3 PFF coverage grade, good for 15th-best in the country. Was a captain, as well.
Current draft projection: Round 2.  Combine vibes:  Abney sometimes gets tabbed as a zone coverage cornerback, something he is clearly trying to deny. When asked about the underrated parts of his game, he listed two things that would certainly get the Lions’ attention.  “My tackling or my man coverage,” Abney said. “I think a lot of guys view me as a zone defender, but if you turn on the tape, I do a great job (in man).” Abney’s biggest quirk is that he was involved in competitive speed roller skating. The hobby stemmed from his desire to both compete and connect with people. “Just meeting people. It was something that I was good at, something that was opening doors. I got to travel a lot of places, and just competing, really. The competitiveness of it. It’s either you win or you lose,” Abney said.) (2-26-26):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-draft/158140/nfl-combine-5-high-character-defensive-backs-for-detroit-lions

Examining Whether ASU’s Abney Deserves Better NFL Draft Grade (2-23-26):  https://www.si.com/college/arizonastate/sun-devils-examining-whether-abney-deserves-better-nfl-draft-grade

Packers should watch these 9 cornerbacks at this week’s NFL Scouting Combine (Keith Abney II, Arizona State (No. 59, 6 feet and 190 pounds): Abney has only average size but plays bigger (and more competitively) than he looks. He is a little bit of a wild defender, which NFL route runners will take advantage of while he matures. But his fluid change-of-direction skills help him play sticky in coverage.) (2-23-16):  https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7062257/2026/02/23/packers-nfl-combine-cornerbacks/

2026 NFL Draft: Top 5 prospects at each defensive position (Corner - 5. Keith Abney) (2-19-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2026-combine-defensive-rankings-top-5-by-position/

Arguing Why Keith Abney is Top Level Cornerback Prospect (2-13-26):  https://www.si.com/college/arizonastate/sun-devils-arguing-keith-abney-top-level-cornerback-prospect-

2026 NFL Draft prospects: Top 10 players on defense (6. Keith Abney II, Arizona State:  Abney offers ideal size and one of the best skill sets in contested catch situations in the class. Great athleticism and footwork to stay in the right position in coverage.) (1-30-26):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2026/01/30/2026-nfl-draft-top-10-rankings-defense/88403594007/

2026 NFL Draft Intel: Jermod McCoy’s medicals, the truth about Colton Hood, an FCS darling, and Mansoor Delane’s lone concern (Keith Abney (Arizona State):  You won’t find many cornerbacks in the 2026 class more confident than Keith Abney. He excels in off-man coverage, having the hip fluidity to quickly reduce space and stay in phase. Abney is also a lot more competitive at the catch point than you would expect for a player his size, as well.  He played exclusively as the cornerback on the right side of the field for the Sun Devils this past season, affording him experience at both field and boundary cornerback at times.  “I love Abney,” that NFC South scout said. “But he’s going to measure in a hair under 5-10 and run like 4.5 in the forty-yard dash. You’re going to have to bet on a smaller cornerback that lacks great physical tools. That doesn’t mean that Abney can’t be a good player, but can he play on the outside, or will he have to play nickel? That’s the convo that is happening with every team.”  Betting on outliers can be scary for folks around the league, but a whole lot easier for the media whose jobs aren’t on the line. It’s easy to like Abney’s film as a tough, tenacious but undersized cornerback. Ask yourself, however, if you’d bet on him with your job on the line. That’s where the interesting decisions begin.) (1-28-26):  https://atozsports.com/nfl-draft/2026-nfl-draft-intel-cornerback-class-jermod-mccoy-colton-hood-mansoor-delane-dangelo-ponds-will-lee-iii/

Top 10 2026 NFL Draft CB Rankings Headlined By Multiple SEC Cornerbacks (5. Keith Abney II, Arizona State:  Keith Abney II has steadily built a strong case as one of the most technically refined cornerbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft. Abney’s tape is defined by elite footwork and recovery ability. His mirror-and-match technique is outstanding, allowing him to regain leverage with sudden, twitchy movements even when initially put at a disadvantage.  One of Abney’s most impressive traits is his ability to effectively manipulate leverage. Against bigger receivers, he consistently shrinks the field, using the sideline as an extra defender and forcing quarterbacks into low-percentage throws. With his combination of instincts, polish, and ball production, Abney profiles as a high-floor corner capable of contributing early in a variety of coverage schemes.) (1-14-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-10-2026-nfl-draft-cb-rankings/

How Keith Abney II Could Save Some NFL Teams (1-1-26):  https://www.si.com/college/arizonastate/how-keith-abney-ii-could-save-some-nfl-teams-

Why Arizona State Duo Remains in Strong NFL Draft Position (12-19-25):  https://www.si.com/college/arizonastate/why-sun-devils-duo-remain-strong-nfl-draft-position-


ASU football corner Keith Abney II earns first-team All-American honor (12-12-25):  https://www.si.com/college/arizonastate/why-two-asu-sun-devils-stars-rank-among-big-12-best-

PFSN All-Big 12 Football Team Headlined by Devon Dampier, David Bailey (CB: Keith Abney II, Arizona State Sun Devils) (12-11-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/pfsn-all-big-12-football-team-2025/

PFSN All-America College Football Team Headlined by Diego Pavia, Jacob Rodriguez (PFSN All-America First Team Defense - CB: Keith Abney II, Arizona State Sun Devils) (12-10-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/pfsn-all-america-team-2025/


Keith Abney's Example Will Have Lasting Impact at Arizona State (12-10-25):  https://www.si.com/college/arizonastate/sun-devils-keith-abney-example-will-have-lasting-impact

PFF 2025 All-Big 12 Team: Jordyn Tyson, Jacob Rodriguez and more (Defense - CB: Keith Abney II, Arizona State) (12-10-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/pff-2025-all-big-12-team-jordyn-tyson-jacob-rodriguez-and-more

8 Arizona State football players facing tough decisions on future (DB Keith Abney, Jr.:  Abney is just a junior, so his decision is between coming back or declaring for the NFL. He has had a phenomenal season, with 44 tackles, one sack, two interceptions, 12 pass break-ups, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and a blocked field goal. Most notable was his game-saving interception in the closing seconds of the win against West Virginia. In that same game, he knocked away a potential touchdown pass in the end zone on a fourth-down play. He is a bit small by NFL defensive back standards, though. He is projected to go anywhere between the first and third rounds, so it is hard to see him coming back. One projection read: "Abney's tape shows a third-round corner with the tools to outperform his draft slot."  This was his third year in the program. He played sparingly as a true freshman in 2023 but has started every game the last two years.) (12-4-25):  https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/asu/2025/12/04/arizona-state-football-standouts-face-tough-decisions-stay-or-go/87551966007/

Updated 2026 NFL Draft big board for the end of the CFB regular season (25. Keith Abney CB Arizona State) (12-2-25):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2025/12/02/2026-nfl-draft-prospect-rankings-big-board-update/87554292007/

2026 NFL Draft Rankings: Cornerbacks (9. Keith Abney II, Arizona State Sun Devils - Big board rank: 64.  Abney is a competitive, communicative outside cornerback with experience in both man and zone coverage. His best and most confident work seems to come from zone work (press or off), where he can be in bail technique and watch the quarterback's eyes with a good feel for where his receiver(s) are. He is also a willing run defender with good tackling grades and stats. He can play man coverage, but his long speed and recovery speed appear to be average at best; if he doesn't get physical with vertical receivers, he can get beaten there. His mentality will be his most alluring) (12-1-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2026-nfl-draft-cornerback-rankings

2026 NFL Draft: Which ASU Sun Devils to watch (Cornerback Keith Abney II (No. 46):  Abney played his way into having a decision to make, finishing the regular season as the FBS leader among cornerbacks in coverage snaps without allowing a touchdown (458 snaps). He allowed catches on 32 of 72 targets, a 44.4% completion rate that was outdone by only one cornerback in the top 90 of coverage snaps.) (11-30-25):  https://arizonasports.com/ncaa/arizona-state-football/nfl-draft/3604183/

Position Battles To Watch For Arizona In The Territorial Cup (Keith Abney is Arizona State's best defender, both in man and zone coverage. Abney has also received considerable buzz around the NFL Draft.  Abney primarily lines up as the boundary corner, making him a likely candidate to cover Hutson. Abney has allowed a catch rate of 43.3% this season, fifth-best among Big 12 corners.  The junior corner has 40 tackles with two interceptions and 11 pass deflections. The Sun Devils are often fine with leaving Abney on an island without safety support and locked in man coverage.) (11-28-25):  https://www.si.com/college/arizona/position-battles-to-watch-for-arizona-in-the-territorial-cup-noah-fifita-jordyn-tyson-kris-hutson-keith-abney-brent-brennan

The Arizona State Stars Viewed As NFL Prospects (64. Keith Abney II:  Abney has worked his way into being one of the better cornerback prospects come April.  Although the junior is considered "undersized" relative to a traditional outside corner, he more than makes up for it with his work ethic, the way he plays, and the film that is put out. Few players at the position are stickier in coverage, provide the same run support, or can take an opposing receiver out of the game quite like Abney.) (11-25-25):  https://www.si.com/college/arizonastate/asu-sun-devils-stars-viewed-nfl-prospects-

Naming 3 Defensive Stars for Arizona State in Colorado Win (Keith Abney II:  Abney is undeniably one of the best defensive players in the entire Big 12 this season and has potential to enter April's NFL draft. The junior cornerback created what ended up being the most crucial play of the game, as he stopped a Colorado drive by forcing a fumble and recovering it. Raleek Brown ran for an 88-yard touchdown the very next play in what ended up shifting the tide - a game that the Sun Devils went from being ahead 21-17, to ultimately winning 42-17.  Abney's sticky coverage, penchant for creating game-shifting turnovers, and general consistency are all reasons why he continues to potentially be the best player on the defense.) (11-24-25):  https://www.si.com/college/arizonastate/naming-three-defensive-stars-sun-devils-colorado-buffaloes-win-

Keith Abney II NFL Draft Profile: Week 13 Scouting Report for the Arizona State Cornerback (11-23-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/keith-abney-nfl-draft-week-13-2025/

Keith Abney II shines, helping lock down victory for ASU (11-16-25):  https://www.statepress.com/article/2025/11/asu-football-sidebar

College Football Week 12: Team of the Week, Player Awards (Big 12 Team of the Week - CB: Keith Abney II, Arizona State) (11-16-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-12-team-of-the-week-player-awards-2025

YouTube Big 12 Conference - Keith Abney GAME-SEALING Interception vs. West Virginia (11-15-25):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjS0KMtCXJw

Keith Abney II NFL Draft Profile: Week 12 Scouting Report for the Arizona State Cornerback (11-15-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/keith-abney-nfl-draft-week-12-2025/

2026 NFL Draft: Midseason prospect big board top 50 (26. Keith Abney, CB, Arizona State) (11-10-25):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2025/11/10/2026-nfl-draft-midseason-prospect-big-board-top-50/87143496007/

Keith Abney II NFL Draft Profile: Week 11 Scouting Report for the Arizona State Cornerback (11-8-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/keith-abney-nfl-draft-week-11-2025/

Keith Abney II NFL Draft Profile: Week 10 Scouting Report for the Arizona State Cornerback (11-1-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/keith-abney-nfl-draft-week-10-2025/

5 College Draft Targets Lions Should Scout Week 9 (CB Keith Abney II, Arizona State:  Abney II returned to the Sun Devils following a three-interception campaign in 2024 as Arizona State went to the College Football Playoffs. He has proven that the season was no fluke, as his seven pass deflections this season rank at the top of the Big 12.  Despite being listed on the injury report as “probable” before a matchup against Texas Tech, Abney gutted through it for two pass deflections as ASU upset the Red Raiders. He is known as a willing defender and tackler, and is known for his “sticky” man coverage.  He is currently rated in the third-round range for the NFL Draft.  If this season has taught the Lions anything, it is that they can never have too many defensive backs. The Sun Devils kick off at 8 p.m. EST against the Houston Cougars.) (10-26-25):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/5-college-draft-targets-lions-should-scout-week-nine-2025

Keith Abney II NFL Draft Profile: Week 9 Scouting Report for the Arizona State Cornerback (10-25-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/keith-abney-nfl-draft-week-9-2025/

'Playing winning football': Abney steadily performing among nation's best cornerbacks (10-25-25):  https://247sports.com/article/keith-abney-asu-football-sun-devil-defense-preview-arizona-state-258455446/

Naming Three Key Arizona State Defensive Players vs Houston (1. Keith Abney II:  Abney II has not only been one of the best defenders in the Big 12 this season - he's been one of the best defenders in the nation.  Numerous reputable outlets such as Pro Football Focus currently grade the junior cornerback as an elite player at the position, and the eye test absolutely backs that assertion up.  Abney is incredibly sticky in man coverage, is able to adapt on-the-fly, and is one of the best open-field tacklers at a defensive back spot in the country.) (10-25-25):  https://www.si.com/college/arizonastate/sun-devils-martell-hughes-cj-fite-keith-abney

PFSN Midseason All-Big 12 Football Team Headlined by Josh Hoover, David Bailey (PFSN Midseason All-Big 12 Football First Team - CB: Keith Abney II, Arizona State) (10-14-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/pfsn-midseason-all-big-12-football-team/

College Football Week 7: Conference Teams of the Week and Player Awards (Big 12 Team of the week - CB: Keith Abney, Arizona State) (10-13-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-7-conference-teams-of-the-week-and-player-awards-2024



The 5: Which Arizona State Sun Devils are statistical leaders at first bye week? (CB Keith Abney II: 202.  Of all the defenders in college football yet to allow a touchdown this season, none have played more snaps in coverage than Abney’s 202. He also has the fifth-best coverage grade among Power Four cornerbacks.  Crucial to how he’s prevented touchdowns is the 19 yards after the catch he’s held receivers to across 13 catches. For reference, top-graded cornerback Mansoor Delane of LSU has allowed 52 yards after the catch across six receptions allowed.  He also had the first interception by an ASU defensive back this season, swinging a game at Baylor in the Sun Devils’ favor. His five passes defensed also pace the unit, and he led ASU in both as a sophomore in 2024 with three interceptions and nine passes defensed.  This year, he’s added his first career tackle for loss and sack.) (10-2-25):  https://arizonasports.com/ncaa/arizona-state-football/leaders/3597872/

Devon Dampier’s Sensational Bounce-Back Headlines Week 5 College Football Team of the Week (Cornerback of the Week: Keith Abney II, Arizona State - Week 5 PFSN College CBi Grade: 93.8 (A).  One week after Josh Hoover and the TCU Horned Frogs tore up SMU in the Iron Skillet, their offense was stymied by the Arizona State Sun Devils and secondary sensation Keith Abney II. The standout cornerback has been consistently one of the best in the country this fall, and forced a 39.6 passer rating when targeted in Week 5, allowing just one reception and 0.3 yards per coverage snap.) (9-29-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/college-football-team-of-the-week-5-2025/

Bengals scouts zero in on key Arizona State prospects ahead of 2026 NFL Draft (Lions were one of the scouts that were there.  Keith Abney II, Cornerback - Cornerback Keith Abney is high on draft boards. He grades out well for Pro Football Focus (88), Tankathon (74), and Mock Draft Database (62).  The Bengals will have him in their draft crosshairs. The only question will be if Abney has the NFL in his sights or if he will return for his senior year.  TCU’s quarterback Josh Hoover tried throwing deep against Abney a few times, but to no avail. Thus far this season, Abney has 16 tackles, five passes defensed, and one interception. PFF ranks him 13th among all cornerbacks in college football and gives him an excellent passer rating when targeted of 47.1.  If Abney continues his excellent play for the remainder of the college season, his draft status could become too rich for Cincinnati’s offensive and defensive line-needy blood.) (9-27-25):  https://stripehype.com/bengals-scouts-zero-in-key-arizona-state-prospects-ahead-2026-nfl-draft




2026 NFL Draft Summer Scouting: Cornerback Overview (Zone Boundary Cornerbacks - Keith Abney, Arizona State.  Strengths:  Appears to have above-average arm length for the position.  Willing run defender.  Good PFF run-defense grades/low missed tackle percentage.  Comfortable in bail/shuffle zone-coverage technique.  You can see his willingness to communicate pre- and post-snap on tape.  Weaknesses:  Appears to have average long speed.  Stop-and-start agility takes one or two more steps than desired.  Scouting Summary:  Abney is a competitive and communicative outside cornerback who has experience in both man and zone assignments. His best and most confident work seems to come from zone work (press or off), where he can be in bail technique and watch the quarterback's eyes with a good feel for where his receiver(s) are. He is also a willing run defender with good tackling grades and stats. He can play man coverage, but his long and recovery speed appear to be average at best; if he doesn't get physical with vertical receivers, he can get beaten there. His mentality will be his most alluring trait.) (9-16-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/2026-nfl-draft-summer-scouting-cornerback-overview

3 Defensive Standouts From Arizona State Victory (Keith Abney II:  Abney reminded the scouting world why he has been considered a potential 'riser' as a prospect in the 2026 draft - as he totaled six tackles and broke up two passes during the night that was.  The highlight of the night for Abney was breaking up a contested catch in the end zone off of what was a well-thrown ball by Texas State QB Brad Jackson.  Expect the starting CB to continue to improve even more as the season progresses.) (9-15-25):  https://www.si.com/college/arizonastate/defensive-standouts-sun-devils-football-victory-keith-abney-jacob-rich-kongaika-kenny-dillingham

Strong secondary sparks ASU's bounce-back win: 'We stayed on their neck the whole game' (The impressive defensive performance, which included 10 tackles and nothing allowed via the air from senior safety Myles Rowser, as well as two pass breakups apiece by junior cornerback Keith Abney II and senior nickel back Kyndrich Breedlove, was in line with what ASU had been searching for all week after its upset loss to Mississippi State. With sound tackling, physical coverage, and consistent pressure up front, the Sun Devils looked connected and energized — finally firing on all cylinders. It came at the right time, as they turn their focus to conference play, opening Big 12 action on Saturday, Sept. 20, with a road matchup at Baylor.) (9-14-25):  https://247sports.com/college/arizona-state/article/asu-football-defense-adrian-boogie-wilson-myles-rowser-keith-abney-kyndrich-breedlove-texas-state-bobcats-sun-devils-big-12-253996943/


Top 25 Returning College Football Cornerback Rankings Headlined By Michael Coats Jr. and Jontez Williams (17. Keith Abney II, Arizona State - 2025 PFSN College SAF+ Grade: 83.5.  2025 will be the junior season for Keith Abney II, who became the starter for Arizona State going into the 2024 season. He started all 14 games, had three interceptions, and led the team with nine pass breakups. He got better as the year went on, as shown by his only allowing two touchdowns over his last ten games of the season.) (8-20-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/college-football-cornerback-rankings-2025/

Renner's NFL Draft summer position rankings: Best CBs (Keith Abney II - Player type: Versatile corner.  Room for improvement: Eyes in off-coverage.  Early grade: Early Day 3.  In his very first season as a starter, Keith Abney II showed to be a very gifted athlete. With loose hips and instant acceleration, Abney has the goods to be a scheme-versatile corner at the next level. Watching his tape, I was reminded of former Kansas State corner and recent third-rounder Jacob Parrish. While Parrish was more refined in press coverage, they are both well-built corners who use their size to press receivers to the sideline routinely.  Abney's main struggles came in off-coverage in being late to key and close. That's not the biggest worry given his age, and hopefully should improve this fall.) (8-5-25):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/renners-nfl-draft-summer-position-rankings-best-cornerbacks-for-2026-including-brother-of-nfl-all-pro/



5 Sun Devils Who Could Be Sneaky First-Round Picks (1. Cornerback Keith Abney II:  Abney is currently one of my favorite Sun Devils. This is because he is fun to watch as he is productive. Abney had a great 2024 season, recording three interceptions and nine pass deflections. Abney flies around the field and is a magnet for the ball. Wherever the football gets thrown, there is a high chance Abney is going to be there.  Abney reminds me a lot of current Baltimore Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins. Wiggins, like Abney, excels at fluidity in his movements and making life difficult for opposing receivers. Wiggins was picked 30th by the Ravens.) (7-4-25):  https://www.si.com/college/arizonastate/asu-sun-devils-football-keith-abney-jalen-moss-jordan-cook

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