Brad Holmes found his "Lions fit" on Day 3, snatching up Arizona State cornerback Keith Abney II in the fifth round. The Lions GM was clearly fired up about the pick, praising Abney’s sticky man coverage and calling him a natural fit for the physical culture they're building in the secondary.

"We evaluated Abney multiple times throughout this process... and every single time, I always enjoyed it," Holmes said via Crunch Time Sports on X.

He noted that while Abney might tilt toward playing nickel in the NFL, he has the frame and toughness to stay on the outside. "He’s another instinctive guy who can find the football, trigger, and tackle. He’s pretty sticky."

The Lions front office viewed the 157th overall pick as a total steal, reportedly grading him as high as a third-rounder on their internal board. During his time with the Sun Devils, Abney became a fixture on the boundary, known for his aggressive tackling and knack for attacking the ball in the air.

His 2025 campaign was a statement: 44 tackles and 12 passes defended across 12 games, earning him First-Team All-Big 12 honors. According to PFF, he didn't allow a single touchdown on 72 targets all season. It's the kind of production that fits the gritty, physical culture Holmes and Dan Campbell have installed in the Lions.

Holmes seems satisfied with the pick, but what does Abney himself feel about his new employers?

Abney Gives His Take On Being Part Of the Lions

Just like Brad Holmes, Keith Abney is also looking forward to this new collaboration. 

"The wait doesn't even matter, man. I'm glad to be a Lion. This means everything. Great program, great culture, great coaches, great people. I'm just blessed to be here,” he said in a Zoom meeting with reporters.

At the end of the day, Abney wants to win games, whatever the cost, even if it means he has to adjust to new formations or roles.

"I just want to win games. If it takes me to play nickel to win games, that's what we're going to do. Outside, safety, anything. I just want to win. ... I'm willing to do anything, willing to play any role."

 While Abney might not have any qualms about taking up new challenges, the Lions HC Dan Campbell will have to get his thinking cap on because, at present, the team has eight cornerbacks on their roster: Abney, D.J. Reed, Terrion Arnold, Rock Ya-Sin, Roger McCreary, Ennis Rakestraw, Khalil Dorsey, and Nick Whiteside.

Holmes must now determine how the rookie fits into the active rotation.

Do you think Abney will make a good addition?

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Written by

Sourav Ganguly

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi