Packers Select 'Football Junkie' In On SI NFL Mock Draft Before Combine

Arizona State cornerback Keith Abney II projected to Green Bay in pre-Combine mock draft

Feb. 23, 2026 at 3:18pm

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The Green Bay Packers are in need of cornerback help after a disappointing playoff loss, and in a pre-Combine NFL mock draft, Arizona State's Keith Abney II is projected to be their second-round pick. Abney is described as a 'football junkie' with a competitive spirit that would fit well in Green Bay's defense.

Why it matters

The Packers have had significant turnover at the cornerback position in recent years, releasing or trading away starters like Rasul Douglas, Jaire Alexander, and Eric Stokes. With the NFC North featuring top receivers like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Justin Jefferson, the Packers need to solidify their secondary to compete in their division.

The details

Abney, listed at 6-foot and 190 pounds, had 21 career pass breakups and at least one interception in every season at Arizona State. He was an efficient tackler and earned some first-team All-American honors in 2025. Packers GM Brian Gutekunst has said the team doesn't necessarily covet tall cornerbacks, but they have no taste for short ones, with Jaire Alexander being the shortest drafted by Gutekunst at 5-foot-10 1/4.

  • The Packers' fourth-quarter collapse in the playoff loss to the Bears magnified their need for a cornerback.
  • Abney will be among 10 prospects to watch for the Packers at this week's Scouting Combine.

The players

Keith Abney II

An Arizona State cornerback projected to be the Packers' second-round pick in a pre-Combine NFL mock draft. Abney is described as a 'football junkie' with a competitive spirit that would fit well in Green Bay's defense.

Brian Gutekunst

The general manager of the Green Bay Packers, who has said the team doesn't necessarily covet tall cornerbacks but has no taste for short ones.

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What they’re saying

“Keith Abney is a dreamer. He is a guy that has high goals, high expectations. He's a big critic of himself and he's always looking for any and all opportunities to get better. He's a student of the game and always trying to find indicators or a way to get an upper hand on his opponent, even if that's watching extra film in the afternoon, at home. He's a football junkie.”

— Bryan Carrington, ASU defensive backs coach

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.