The Jets’ struggles in the secondary were well documented last season. They became the first NFL defense in league history to finish the season without recording a single interception. Ponds should have a huge and immediate impact on the defensive backfield.
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Ponds primarily played boundary cornerback for the National Championship-winning Hoosiers. Despite that, he projects as a nickel cornerback at the next level due to size deficiencies. Ponds measured at the NFL Combine 5-foot-8 and 182 pounds with 29-inch arms. That’s the size of just nickel.
Ponds should still have a profound impact on Aaron Glenn’s revamped secondary. The Miami, Florida native led the team with 10 pass deflections in 2025. Ponds, a natural playmaker, was named defensive MVP of both the Peach Bowl and the Rose Bowl. In total, he recorded 61 tackles and two interceptions.
Ponds has the coverage instincts and competitiveness to improve this Jets secondary. His football acumen is something Glenn’s defense lacked last season. Expect Ponds to be a big playmaker for the Jets in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: D’Angelo Ponds will have massive impact on Jets secondary