Following a trade back from No. 44, the New York Jets have made their first selection on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL draft, taking Indiana cornerback D’Angelo Ponds with the 50th overall pick.
In 2025, Ponds collected 61 total tackles along with 11 pass deflections, a forced fumble, and two interceptions. He also graded out very well, as his 89.6 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus ranked seventh among 897 qualified FBS cornerbacks, while allowing just a 42.0 passer rating when targeted.
Standing 5-foot-8 and weighing 182 pounds, Ponds has drawn many comparisons to Jets head coach and former first-round cornerback Aaron Glenn for his size and aggressiveness.
While there are obviously size concerns, he makes up for it with his 43.5-inch vertical jump, which he showcased at the NFL Scouting Combine.
