Speaking to the media following the New York Jets’ first training camp practice, head coach Aaron Glenn revealed that second-round rookie cornerback D’Angelo Ponds suffered a calf strain.
The good news, though, is that Glenn affirmed the injury isn’t anything serious.
This is also the time of year to be precautionary with injuries. The Jets took that approach throughout OTAs and minicamp with rookies Cade Klubnik and Kenyon Sadiq, who participated fully in the team’s first training camp practice on Wednesday.
Ponds is a member of a highly competitive cornerback room. He, Nahshon Wright, Brandon Stephens, Azareye’h Thomas, and Jarvis Brownlee Jr. are each fighting for starting roles at the position. Brownlee is Ponds’ primary competitor in the slot, but the Jets are also testing Ponds on the outside, where Stephens, Thomas, and Wright are competing for snaps.
During his final year at Indiana, Ponds was one of the most productive defensive backs in the NCAA, logging 61 total tackles, 11 pass breakups, two interceptions, and a forced fumble while earning an 89.6 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus, the seventh best among 897 qualified CBs.
While most of Ponds’ experience comes at boundary corner, his best fit with the Jets this year may be in the slot due to the team’s need at the position and his size.
Once he’s healthy, the Indiana product will have every opportunity to compete for meaningful snaps and establish a key role for his rookie campaign. After failing to record an interception last year, the Jets are hoping that their second-round corner can make an immediate impact.
