The Seattle Seahawks just clinched the Super Bowl, fulfilling the vision they set two years ago when they decided to rebuild. General Manager John Schneider brought in head coach Mike Macdonald with a clear mission: revive the formidable defense that made Seattle a powerhouse in the mid-2010s. Mission accomplished-and faster than anyone expected.
Now, as the confetti settles, the Seahawks face the offseason challenge of free agency, kicking off in March. Unlike previous years, there aren't any glaring cut candidates on the roster. Instead, Schneider's task is to retain key players without breaking the bank.
One big decision looms: the team reportedly won't use the franchise tag on Super Bowl standout Kenneth Walker. This could mean parting ways with one or both of their top cornerbacks, Josh Jobe and Riq Woolen. But who steps up if they leave?
Enter Keith Abney II from Arizona State, projected by Cody Williams of FanSided to join the Seahawks as the 32nd pick. Standing at 6 feet and weighing 190 pounds, Abney is versatile, excelling in both zone and man coverage.
His stats are impressive-no touchdowns allowed in 2025, with two interceptions and nine pass breakups. His quarterback rating allowed was a remarkable 46.1, and he held opponents to a mere 44.4 percent completion rate.
In 10 out of 12 games, he limited receivers to 32 yards or fewer, never exceeding 54 yards.
Williams describes Abney as "better in zone than in man, but still effective overall," and notes his strength as a "plus run defender on the outside." This profile fits perfectly with Mike Macdonald's defensive style.
However, Abney's aggressive play can lead to penalties, a concern that could be exacerbated in the NFL. Despite this, with the potential departure of a top cornerback like Woolen-who's both costly and unpredictable-drafting a talent like Abney could be a strategic move for Seattle. It would provide a cost-effective solution with four years of team control, ensuring stability in their defensive backfield.