Could Keith Abney be the next lockdown Vikings cornerback?
The biggest positional need for the Minnesota Vikings is cornerback, which they must address in the 2026 NFL Draft. There are a number of different options they can choose from, but Arizona State’s Keith Abney may be the most intriguing. He pairs fantastic movement skills with impressive technique to give him the traits of a future lockdown defender.
The Vikings current cornerback room is headlined by Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers, which is solid, but won’t strike fear into an offensive coordinator. They need a star, as well as building depth at that position. This is why they should consider investing in the position on day one.
The 6-foot, 190 pound cornerback has spent all three seasons of his collegiate career at Arizona State. Football wasn’t his first love; instead, he was an exceptional rollerblader as a child, having been a four-time national champion, which is evident in his fluidity while moving. In addition to football, Abney was a star track and field athlete in high school, showcasing his speed with an 11.10 100-meter dash.
Abney has the makings of a future shutdown corner in man coverage. He’s a smooth mover who can mirror an opposing receiver with his fluid hips and quick footwork. He’s not the biggest player, but makes up for it with his physicality. The former Sun Devil can play on the line of scrimmage and provide sticky coverage throughout the route.
He’s splendid in man coverage, but is skilled in zone as well. Abney is instinctual and excels at reading the quarterback's eyes. Once he sees the target, he becomes a heat-seeking missile. Abney transitions from backpedaling to sprinting well, which allows him to break on the route.
From there, he uses his stellar ball skills to make a play, either disrupting the pass or snagging an interception. He was a two-way player in high school, also playing receiver, which is evident in his hands. Even if he does get beaten quickly, his elite speed allows him to recover and impede the catch. It’s a risk to throw the ball in his direction.
Abney’s biggest issues stem from his size. He’s a formidable tackler, but isn’t the strongest, which can impact him against runs or screens. A receiver can eliminate him from a play if they get their hands on him. Similarly, he can struggle in some contested catch situations against bigger receivers. He’s physical, but sometimes can’t compete with their size.
Overall, Keith Abney is an enticing prospect who will peak the Vikings interest considering their need at the position. His prowess in coverage and athleticism make him one of the top cornerbacks of this draft class.