Detroit Lions select CB Keith Abney in the 5th round

TEMPE, AZ - NOVEMBER 15: Arizona State Sun Devils defensive back Keith Abney II (1) celebrates a big play during the college football game between the West Virginia Mountaineers and the Arizona State Sun Devils on November 15, 2025 at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images The Detroit Lions continue to add to their defense with their third consecutive pick on that side of the ball. With their first fifth-round pick (157 overall) the Lions selected Keith Abney, a cornerback out of Arizona State.

At 6-foot, 190 pounds, Abney is a little undersized and may project to nickel at the next level, but as a two-year starter at Arizona State, he was highly productive. He produced 21 passes defended and five interceptions in his last two years. As a result, he earned First Team All-Big 12 in 2025.

We also talked to Abney at the NFL Combine this past year, and he made our list of five high-character defensive backs to watch in this year’s draft class. In Detroit, he’ll bring more fire to an open nickel competition, and he could also be a versatile depth piece on the outside. The Lions have four more picks remaining on the final day of the draft.

Previous Lions picks Round 1, Pick 17 — OT Blake Miller, Clemson Round 2, Pick 44 — EDGE Derrick Moore, Michigan Round 3, Pick 118 — LB Jimmy Rolder, Michigan Lions remaining picks Round 5, Pick 41 (181 overall) Round 6, Pick 24 (205 overall) Round 6, Pick 32 (213 overall) Round 7, Pick 6 (222 overall) Top remaining needs for Lions : Offensive tackle Defensive end Linebacker Tight end Nose tackle Defensive back Running back NFL Draft schedule Day 3 What: Rounds 4-7 When: Saturday, April 25 — Noon ET until around 7 p. m. ET TV: ABC, ESPN, NFL Network Online streaming: ESPN app, NFL Plus, ABC, Hulu, Disney+