The Detroit Lions may have landed one of the biggest steals of the 2026 NFL Draft, but for the rookie himself, draft weekend did not exactly unfold the way he expected.

While interacting with Tim Twentyman at the “Twentyman in the Huddle” podcast, one of the seven rookies, Keith Abney II, talked about his feelings through the 2026 NFL draft. He considers it as god’s plan.

“I would go earlier, but you know I'm a big believer in my faith and that everything you know God got a plan,” Abney said to Twentyman. “And you know everything already written, so this is my plan for me to be a Lion.” 

The Motor City team drafted Abney from the Arizona State Sun Devils in the fifth round (Pick 17) in the 2026 draft. 

Abney was expecting to be drafted early, but he went in way later. Ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, many analysts have projected him high, as high as round two.

Dane Brugler placed him 61st best player in class, followed by Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus, who mentioned 53rd pick, and Lance Zierlein had him at 85th pick.

Many analysts believe that his size (5ft 10in) is the major factor for the delay in his draft. 

“Size is likely the only thing that prevented him from being picked higher because he's small compared to most cover corners,” Michelle Gardner of the Arizona Central wrote.

In 2025, Abney recorded 36 tackles and defended 12 passes while appearing in 12 matches. 

“And you know don't matter if it was first round, second round, third round, or undrafted, like I was meant to be a Lion, and you know I'm glad to be here. I wouldn't want another way.”

Throughout the draft, Abney continued to show his faith in god and at the end, he landed as a Lion, and he did not want it any other way. 

Keith Abney II Sees Lions as a Big Fit

Rookie cornerback Keith Abney II did not take long to understand why the Detroit Lions culture feels different under head coach Dan Campbell.

“Um, I feel like you one just the little time that I've been here, I could just see the bonds of the players, like how the guys interact with each other,” Keith Abney said.

The environment reflects exactly what Campbell has built around. As Roundtable Sports’ Adam Sharks described, Campbell transformed the franchise culture around “grit, resilience, and identity,” prioritizing players who embrace accountability, physicality, and relentless effort.

Abney quickly noticed that the standard was inside the locker room.

“Like it's a real tight-knit team. Guys are really, you know, bonding with each other and, you know, still getting to work in at the same time,” he said. “Like when it's time to work, we're working, but you know, we're still having our fun and just having fun with it. Man, I feel like that's what's special about this team.”

Detroit’s “next man up” mentality has also become a major reason why the Lions are no longer viewed as an easy matchup around the NFL.

GM Brad Holmes and Campbell have added enough depth at each position to induce a healthy competition that pushes the players to improve.

Read more at the Detroit Lions Community!

Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker