D’Angelo Ponds responds to Aaron Glenn comparisons at Jets minicamp

Sometimes, NFL Draft comparisons take on a life of their own.

That became especially true for New York Jets rookie cornerback D’Angelo Ponds in 2026 after NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah made a fascinating connection during the pre-draft process.

Jeremiah had identified Jets head coach Aaron Glenn as Ponds’ NFL comparison during the prdraft process. That created one of the more unusual storylines of draft weekend once New York actually selected the rookie defensive back 50th overall in Round 2.

Jeremiah even joked that Glenn had essentially “drafted himself.” Given the Jets HC's reputation as both a former Pro Bowl cornerback and respected defensive mind, the comparison naturally generated attention almost immediately.

It also followed Ponds straight into New York's rookie minicamp. When asked about the comparison recently, Ponds handled the conversation exactly how many coaches would hope a young player would.

Jets HC Aaron Glenn and D'Angelo Ponds respond to their recent comparison

We've all settled into May, and rookie minicamp provided both an opportunity to see the new guys and talk with them. When asked about his comp to his head coach, Ponds handled the conversation exactly how many coaches would hope a young player would.

Simply put, he wants to “be his own person.”

Rather than embracing lofty expectations or leaning too heavily into the Glenn connection, the rookie cornerback made it clear he wants to carve out his own path. That answer will likely resonate inside the Jets building. Comparisons can help explain a prospect’s play style, but they also create pressure and expectations that young players sometimes struggle to escape.

Ponds appears focused on building his own identity instead of trying to mirror someone else’s career, even if that someone else happens to be his head coach. Aaron Glenn's response, however, stole the show. He was eventually asked about the comparison as well, and his response may have been even better than Ponds’.