National reactions: NFL sees hidden gem in Jets' pick D'Angelo Ponds

TL;DR

The New York Jets selected cornerback D'Angelo Ponds from Indiana in the 2026 NFL Draft, receiving widespread praise from analysts and fans. Many believe Ponds, despite concerns about his size, has elite potential and could significantly impact the Jets' defense.

Key points

Jets selected D'Angelo Ponds in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Ponds is praised for his elite playmaking ability.
Concerns exist about his size at 5-9, 175 pounds.
Jets had a strong draft with four top-50 picks.

Mentioned in this story

Indiana University

New York JetsD'Angelo Ponds2026 NFL Draft

The New York Jets rolled the diced on their only pick on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft and selected Indiana cornerback D'Angelo Ponds. It remains to be seen if Gang Green sees their decision to take Ponds is praised when he's on the field once next season begins. As it pertains to off of it, the Jets are already seeing tons of praise thrown their way by the NFL world for taking Ponds after their trio of first-round selections on Thursday. Here is a national media reaction roundup to the Jets picking Ponds at the 2026 draft:

Reactions: Jets select CB D'Angelo Ponds

D’Angelo Ponds is the player that many execs and scouts LOVED but believed he was too small to take early.

Productive draft for Jets continues.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 25, 2026

Reactions: Jets select CB D'Angelo Ponds

D’Angelo Ponds is the player that many execs and scouts LOVED but believed he was too small to take early.

Productive draft for Jets continues.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 25, 2026

Reactions: Jets select CB D'Angelo Ponds

how we feeling about the Jets draft:

Rd 1: EDGE David Bailey Rd 1: TE Kenyon Sadiq Rd 1: WR Omar Cooper Jr. Rd 2: CB D'Angelo Ponds

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) April 25, 2026

Reactions: Jets select CB D'Angelo Ponds

The Jets land @StevePalazzolo\_’s favorite prospect in the draft — Indiana CB D’Angelo Ponds.

Here’s why he loves the prospect 👇

Q&A

What position does D'Angelo Ponds play for the Jets?

D'Angelo Ponds plays as a cornerback for the New York Jets.

Why are analysts praising the Jets' pick of D'Angelo Ponds?

Analysts are praising the pick because Ponds is considered an elite playmaker with strong production stats, despite concerns about his size.

What were D'Angelo Ponds' college stats at Indiana?

D'Angelo Ponds recorded 32 career pass breakups and seven interceptions during his time at Indiana.

How did the Jets perform in the 2026 NFL Draft overall?

The Jets had a productive draft, selecting four players in the top 50, including Ponds, and are being recognized for one of the best draft classes in recent years.