With key cornerbacks potentially departing, Seattle could eye versatile Arizona State defender Keith Abney II to bolster their championship-contending secondary.
The Seattle Seahawks were able to hoist the second Vince Lombardi Trophy in franchise history after beating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX, so they will be getting a very low first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
But that does not mean that they can't get a talent that can help them build on their Super Bowl win.
In a recent mock draft by PFF's Dalton Wasserman, he puts together a three-round mock. And with the very last pick of the first round, he thinks the reigning Super Bowl champs cold take a look at Arizona State cornerback Keith Abney II.
"Multiple Seattle cornerbacks, including Tariq Woolen and Josh Jobe, are entering free agency this offseason," Wasserman writes. "That could be a position for the Seahawks to address early in the draft with someone like Arizona State’s Keith Abney II, who earned a career-high 85.3 PFF coverage grade while breaking up nine passes in 2025."
Abney has quietly developed into one of the draft’s more intriguing defensive backs this cycle. On film and in advanced metrics, he’s shown a knack for coverage instincts and ball skills that stand out against high-level collegiate competition.
In his junior season at Arizona State, the 21-year-old cornerback finished with 44 total tackles and 12 passes defended. But he was also able to show his all-around versatility with a sack, a tackle for loss, and forcing two fumbles.
While Abney may not profile as a pure, lockdown No. 1 corner at the next level, his blend of physicality and zone awareness aligns well with a Seahawks defense that has historically emphasized scheme versatility.
Abney’s comfort in both press-man and zone looks — especially bail-technique zone where he keeps his eyes on the quarterback — allows him to make plays on the ball and disrupt timing. That versatility could be particularly valuable in Seattle as the team navigates the departure of veteran cornerbacks in free agency.
Seattle’s defense has had impressive moments in recent seasons, but consistency from the perimeter has been elusive. Abney’s projection — whether it ultimately comes true or not — sparks optimism for a rookie who could compete for significant snaps early and grow into a core contributor.