Second-round rookie cornerback D’Angelo Ponds is expected to be a versatile piece for the New York Jets in 2026, projecting to spend time as both a boundary and nickel cornerback.
Throughout OTAs, Ponds’ versatility and football IQ have caught the eye of newly acquired defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick, a five-time Pro-Bowler.
“He [Ponds] can do a lot of different things. Has a high IQ for the game,” said Fitzpatrick when speaking to the media on Tuesday. “He’s willing to do whatever we ask of him. By the looks of it, he seems like he’s been in this league for a minute by the way he conducts himself as a pro.”
While Ponds played only four snaps in the slot at Indiana last season, the Jets are going to “cross-train” him to also play inside, according to Aaron Glenn.
At 5-foot-8 and 182 pounds with just over 29-inch arms, there is no doubt that Ponds has a small frame, making it at least worth exploring the possibility of him playing inside. Also, from a team perspective, as we broke down, the Jets need more help in the slot than they do on the outside, seemingly making Ponds’ path to snaps easier at nickel CB.
Ponds tore it up last season with the Hoosiers, finishing the year with 61 total tackles (44 solo, 4.0 for loss), 11 pass deflections, a forced fumble, and two interceptions. He also graded out exceptionally well, earning an 89.6 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus, finishing seventh among 897 qualified FBS cornerbacks.
While it’s June and everything should be taken with a grain of salt, Ponds looks the part of a seasoned NFL corner, according to Fitzpatrick, which is encouraging coming from a three-time All-Pro.
