At 5-10, 187 pounds, Abney has the type of instincts, ball skills, physical traits and football IQ to potentially kick inside and compete for Detroit’s open nickel cornerback spot. The Lions like versatile defenders in the back of their defense, and Abney provides more of that.
“I’m willing to play anything,” Abney said after being selected by Detroit. “I view myself as very versatile. I just never got to play nickel at ASU because of the depth we had.
“I was actually the starting nickel going into my sophomore year and then we had a guy on the outside transfer, so I had to move back to the outside. This year there were a couple injuries, so I had to stay on the outside. I know all the positions on the back end, and I have no problem playing inside or outside.”
