May 8, 2026, 3:06 AM CUT

Keith Abney Compared to Ex-Miami Star As NFL Exec. Comments on Lions Draft

Credits: Imago JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 04: Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Mike Hilton 21 warms up before during the game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday, December 4, 2023, EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, Fla. Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 04 Bengals at Jaguars EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon231204143, INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 26: Arizona State defensive back Keith Abney II answers questions from the media during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA Scouting Combine on February 26, 2026 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire NFL: FEB 26 Scouting Combine EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602261768

Former Arizona State Sun Devils defensive back Keith Abney had to wait till the fifth round to hear his name called in the NFL Draft. Nevertheless, the NFL execs are still impressed with the Lions picking Abney in the draft.

"Abney has some scrappiness to him. He is like a better Mike Hilton,” an NFL executive told The Athletic about the Lions’ No. 157 overall pick. “Chippy, aggressive, physical. He can play in the slot, can be competitive on the outside despite his size.”

The comparison between Mike Hilton and Abney was made based on their similar styles. Two undersized players (5'9") who, despite their short stature, made a mark. Their size never stopped them from getting physical against bigger receivers.

Hilton went undrafted in the 2016 NFL Draft and signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He later played with multiple teams, including the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins. He built his entire career as one of the NFL’s best slot corners.

January 1, 2025: Keith Abney II 1 of Arizona State on defense during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl - a CFP Quarterfinal - featuring the 5 seed Texas Longhorns vs 4 seed Arizona State Sun Devils, played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Texas survives double-OT with a 39-31 win over Arizona State. /CSM Atlanta United States of America - ZUMAc04_ 20250101_faf_c04_136 Copyright: xCecilxCopelandx

In his nine seasons, Hilton has racked up 525 combined tackles and 400 solo tackles and defended 56 passes. Abney, however, is deemed more polished in man coverage and has better ball skills. He came up with 71 solos and 21 assists in three years in college.

“You’ll have to move him around to help him, but he’s a good player who is wired the right way for them,” said the Ex NFL exec.

The exec also feels Abney could improve himself if developed properly.

Keith Abney Reacts to Being Selected by Detroit Lions in Fifth Round

Abney never imagined he would slide to the fifth round. But he couldn’t have been happier to land with the Lions, a team he grew to admire after Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes took over in 2021. So, he is overjoyed at the opportunity.

"Man, the wait don't even matter,” said Abney. “I'm just glad to be a Lion. It means everything. A great program, great culture, great coaches, great people around. I'm just blessed to be here. Dropped a couple of tears. It is a dream come true.”

The 5-foot-9, 187-pound defensive back possesses a variety of solid intangibles. He considers his football IQ to be his biggest skill. Back in Arizona State, his efforts saw him earn first-team All-Big 12 recognition and an 86.3 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.

This also got him a ranking of 19th among 897 qualified cornerbacks. Abney spent most of his time at Arizona State playing boundary cornerback in the Sun Devils’ middle-closed defense.

According to Lions defensive pass game coordinator Bryan Carrington, that position typically suits larger corners, but Abney’s intelligence made him the exception.

Share your thoughts on Detroit’s pick, Keith Abney, raising the expectations.

Written by

Sourav Ganguly

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar