The New York Jets, with the 50th Pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, drafted the former James Madison Duke and Indiana Hoosier in D’Angelo Ponds. Ponds is my favorite corner in this draft because of the impact plays that he has made in his career, especially on the Indiana National Championship Run in 2025, winning the Defensive MVP for the National Championship Game.
Ponds is a bit undersized, but his speed and vertical make up for his size as an outside corner. As the Jets needed a playmaker at the cornerback position, they got one in Ponds. Let’s break it down.
Pond’s 2025 Season
Ponds had two interceptions and a forced fumble in 2025, after a 2024 season where he had three picks. In his three-year career, he had a total of seven interceptions in his James Madison and Indiana career. Along with 31 passes defended in his entire collegiate career. The Jets desperately needed. Ponds‘ NFL Combine Vertical Jump of 43.5 inches was phenomenal as well at this year’s combine, and Aaron Glenn and the Jets definitely fell in love with him in this year’s combine.
What the Jets Are Getting
The Jets are getting a hard-working corner with great ball skills and the ability to cover in both man and zone. They are also getting a guy with a skill set similar to what Cooper DeJean showed at Iowa, but a slightly faster overall player, in my eyes.
As Ponds is going to be a perfect option at the Jets nickel at his size, but I think he can still play a little bit on the outside as well in this defense to replace Sauce Gardner. It is a wait-and-see process, but I love this pick for the Jets and am glad to see a former JMU player in the NFL.
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