Even before moving on from Terrion Arnold, it was pretty clear that the Detroit Lions needed some help at cornerback. Considering that, they took a flier on Keith Abney II, an undersized, hard-hitting prospect out of Arizona State.
The fifth-round pick drew some rave reviews in training camp, but he was also a bit raw. Discipline and lack of size were his biggest knocks coming out of college, though he was also the type of 'chip on my shoulder' type of guy who often played bigger than his size.
However, it looks like he may have found a new calling in the pros. With the team's major struggles at safety, Abney II looked like a natural in the win over the Arizona Cardinals, and head coach Dan Campbell revealed they'll continue to explore that position shift, per The Pride of Detroit's Jeremy Reisman.
Keith Abney II might solve a long-term problem for the Lions
"He's worth continuing to work with at safety," Campbell said, adding that his mistakes were in line with what one would expect from a rookie.
Abney made a solid impression in his first career start at safety. Granted, the bar was comically low after Christian Izien's struggles vs. the Carolina Panthers, but it was still an impressive performance by a first-timer.
The rookie gave up two catches on three targets, but they went for just 16 yards. He held Jacoby Brissett to a 40.3 passer rating when targeted, had his first career interception, one run stop, and six total tackles.
There are serious doubts about Kerby Joseph's return from the nagging knee injury, and Abney's ability to play center fielder on defense might change the Lions' plans. Granted, Joseph is under contract through 2029, so moving on from him would be a tall ask, but this team has often found ways to get that done.
Abney will likely line up next to Brian Branch when he returns after the bye week. Branch is also in the final year of his rookie deal and is looking for a lucrative contract extension, and as much as the Lions should definitely strive to keep him in town, they also have to work out a deal with Sam LaPorta.
Who knows? Maybe they'll like Abney next to Chuck Clark enough to consider letting Branch go at the end of the season. It sounds like a long shot, and he's one of the best strong safeties in the game, but we've seen crazier things happen.
Whatever the case, it looks like this team finally has some options. Abney will need reps to grow through his mistakes, and there will be some ups and downs along the way. That's just the growing pains every young player must go through.
And with all the uncertainty surrounding both of the team's stars at the position, developing him at safety makes perfect sense for Kelvin Sheppard's ailing defense.
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