Our 2026 NFL Combine media recap series continues Thursday with defensive backs who will certainly clear the Detroit Lions\u2019 football character tests. Cornerback may not be an immediate need in Detroit, but there are certainly questions beyond 2026. At safety, the injury situation could force Detroit to re-invest on the back end.<\/p>\n
Here are five high-character standouts from the defensive back group.<\/p>\n
Clemson CB Avieon Terrell<\/p>\n
Size: 5-foot-11, 180 pounds
Quick bio: Brother of A.J. Terrell, Avieon could be a good fit with the Lions given his press-man coverage history and eagerness to get dirty in the run game. Produced a whopping five forced fumbles in 12 games last season, along with 4.5 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks.
Current draft projection: Round 1-2
Combine vibes:<\/p>\n
I spent the first half of Terrell\u2019s media session listening to projected top-10 pick D\u2019Angelo Ponds, but I continued to overhear Terrell and was eventually just full drawn into his press conference (which I wanted to watch anyways).<\/p>\n
Terrell\u2019s size could be an issue for some teams, but I imagine the Lions will love his playing style enough to not care too much about size (think Amik Robertson).<\/p>\n
\u201cMy favorite thing about football? Just being able to hit somebody for free,\u201d Terrell said. \u201cYou wake up and can just go hit somebody. So I love that about football. That\u2019s the best thing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Given Clemson\u2019s down season last year (7-6), Terrell opted to take on a leadership role to help the young players navigate the adversity. When I asked him what makes good leadership, he mentioned doing all the little things as a role model.<\/p>\n
\u201cWatching extra film, extra work after the game, running to the line, not letting nobody walk off the field. Them little things are (for) leaders,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Arizona State CB Keith Abney<\/p>\n
Size: 6-foot 190 pounds
Quick bio: A two-year starter at ASU, Abney is a bit undersized but known for his feistiness and ability to be a ball hawk. In his last two seasons, he produced 21 passes defended, five interceptions, and two forced fumbles. In 2025, he also produced an 85.3 PFF coverage grade, good for 15th-best in the country. Was a captain, as well.
Current draft projection: Round 2
Combine vibes:<\/p>\n
Abney sometimes gets tabbed as a zone coverage cornerback, something he is clearly trying to deny. When asked about the underrated parts of his game, he listed two things that would certainly get the Lions\u2019 attention.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy tackling or my man coverage,\u201d Abney said. \u201cI think a lot of guys view me as a zone defender, but if you turn on the tape, I do a great job (in man).\u201d<\/p>\n
Abney\u2019s biggest quirk is that he was involved in competitive speed roller skating. The hobby stemmed from his desire to both compete and connect with people.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust meeting people. It was something that I was good at, something that was opening doors. I got to travel a lot of places, and just competing, really. The competitiveness of it. It\u2019s either you win or you lose,\u201d Abney said.<\/p>\n
Texas safety Michael Taaffe<\/p>\n
Size: 5-foot-11, 193 pounds
Quick bio: Taaffe\u2019s story reminds me of Dan Jackson: he stayed at Texas his entire career just waiting for his opportunity. For years, that meant focusing on special teams and situational defensive play. But in the past two seasons, he\u2019s gotten his defensive opportunity and ran with it. Taaffe excels with effort and a tremendous character that earned him the Wuerffel Trophy (more on that in a minute).
Current draft projection: Day 3
Combine vibes:<\/p>\n
Note: Taaffe said he met with the Lions at the Combine<\/a><\/p>\n