NYJ D'Angelo Ponds
NFL cornerback. Position: CB. Team: New York Jets.
Quick Facts
- Position: Cornerback (CB)
- Team: New York Jets (2026 Draft, #50 overall)
- College: Indiana
- Draft: 2026 NFL Draft, Round 2, Pick 50 overall
2026 Outlook
Ponds was the Jets' second-round pick (50th overall) in 2026, selected to bolster a secondary that recorded zero interceptions in 2025—an NFL record for futility. Despite his 5-foot-9 frame, Ponds showed sticky coverage skills at Indiana with 61 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble and 1 blocked kick in 15 games. Cornerback Nahshon Wright was impressed with Ponds' "super aggressive" play at minicamp and called his coverage "super sticky." He's expected to contribute early in a secondary alongside veteran Minkah Fitzpatrick and newly acquired Wright (per Nahshon Wright ready to 'prove' himself and help Jets finally end interception drought).
Among the most infectious and energetic cornerback prospects in the 2026 class, Ponds has an innate ability to locate the football. He'll compete for reps as a rookie in the Jets secondary, which also acquired veteran nickel corner Jarvis Brownlee. His versatility to occasionally play as a third safety should quickly appeal to new DC Aaron Glenn. (per These Rookie Cornerbacks Could Be the 2026 NFL Draft's Biggest Day 2 Steals)
Role / Depth Chart
Rookie cornerback, expected to contribute early.
Injury Status
Healthy.
Recent News
- 2026-04-24 — Indiana’s D’Angelo Ponds selected by New York Jets with 50th pick in 2026 NFL Draft -... (Indiana’s D’Angelo Ponds selected by New York Jets with 50th pick in 2026 NFL Draft -...)
- 2026-06-22 — Ranking the top 10 NFL offseasons: Myles Garrett trade was a win-win for two teams on... (Ranking the top 10 NFL offseasons: Myles Garrett trade was a win-win for two teams on...)
- 2026-03-30 — 2026 NFL mock draft: Miller's pick predictions for Rounds 1-7 (2026 NFL mock draft: Miller's pick predictions for Rounds 1-7)
- 2026-04-21 — 2026 NFL draft position rankings: Kiper, Miller, Reid, Yates (2026 NFL draft position rankings: Kiper, Miller, Reid, Yates)
- 2026-02-20 — Ranking deepest, thinnest positions in NFL free agency, draft (Ranking deepest, thinnest positions in NFL free agency, draft)
- 2026-04-16 — 2026 NFL draft: How all 32 teams can ace their picks, needs (2026 NFL draft: How all 32 teams can ace their picks, needs)
- 2026-04-23 — 2026 NFL Draft Best Available: Top Players After Round 1 (2026 NFL Draft Best Available: Top Players After Round 1)
- 2026-04-20 — 2026 NFL mock draft: Jordan Reid's predictions for 257 picks (2026 NFL mock draft: Jordan Reid's predictions for 257 picks)
- 2026-06-05 — What Have We Learned During Jets OTAs? (What Have We Learned During Jets OTAs?)
- 2026-04-26 — 2026 NFL draft grades for 32 teams: Winners, losers, steals (2026 NFL draft grades for 32 teams: Winners, losers, steals)