Keith Abney II

● Quick feet to mirror at the line or collect and drive from off-man coverage ● Leverages sideline in press man with enough vertical speed to stay in phase ● Sees things quickly from depth to play angles and arrive with the ball ● Good job feeling routes around him in zone looks ● Skillfully plays through hands of receivers when in position ● Love his physicality and desire as a run defender ● Plays with competitive temperament that you can’t coach (models game after Denzel Ward) ● Part of core group that helped change the culture and standards under Dillingham ● Durable — finished his career with 26 straight starts

● Lacks ideal height and length for the position ● Undisciplined moments with his feet, hips and hands ● Hands-on tendencies — doesn’t trust his technique with regularity

A two-year starter at Arizona State, Abney lined up primarily outside (mostly at right cornerback) in defensive coordinator Brian Ward’s multiple scheme (press/off man, zone, side-saddle bail). After becoming a starter as a sophomore, he was one of the most productive corners in the FBS, registering 21 passes defended and five interceptions over his final 25 starts. He allowed a completion rate of just 44.4 percent when targeted in 2025, which ranked fourth in the FBS among corners who saw 60-plus targets. Abney is an undersized, feisty cover corner with athletic balance, core strength and endurance cultivated over 10-plus years of high-level competitive inline skating as a kid. Highly alert in zone, he has an outstanding read-react twitch in his plant and drive from depth. In man coverage, he is effective at turning and anticipating routes before undercutting them. His on-ball production reflects his talent, although the coverage penalties also reveal discipline that’s a work in progress. He plays with physicality, and missed tackles are rare on his tape. Overall, Abney has wild tendencies and can put himself in tough situations, but athletic instincts and competitive fire (in all areas) are exciting trademarks of his game. He has the makings of an NFL starter with inside-outside upside.