NFL Draft expert says Jets second-round pick may be steal of the draft

The New York Jets received rave reviews on their 2026 NFL Draft class, landing multiple hopeful, impactful players with their treasure trove of picks.

David Bailey and Kenyon Sadiq each have really solid chances of starting, while players like Omar Cooper Jr. and D'Angelo Ponds face competition heading into training camp.

Although Ponds in particular feels like he has a better shot of capturing a starting gig than his Hoosier teammate, Cooper, thanks to who he'll be competing with and what he brings to the table.

What is it about the Peach Bowl MVP that makes him so special? And what got him selected in the second round despite his 5-foot-8 size?

Justin Melo says D'Angelo Ponds is one of the best draft picks of Day 2

In a list of the best Day 2 draft picks from the 2026 NFL Draft, Sports Illustrated's Justin Melo named Ponds as one of the best and revealed what Aaron Glenn will like most about the young defensive back.

"D'Angelo Ponds was among the more infectious and energetic cornerback prospects in this entire class. He's landed in an interesting spot with the New York Jets, who traded for nickel corner Jarvis Brownlee last season. Ponds has to compete for reps as a rookie, but his versatile approach to occasionally play as a third safety should quickly endear itself to Aaron Glenn. The former Indiana standout has an innate ability to locate the football."

Justin Melo

As Melo points out, Ponds will be competing with Jarvis Brownlee for the Jets' starting nickel cornerback job, but the rookie has pretty good odds of winning that battle.

Each has a strength and weakness, with Ponds grading out as the better defender in coverage, per Pro Football Focus, while Brownlee's strength lies in stopping the run.

It seems like it may be situational usage for both the young cornerbacks, but Ponds' nose for the football seems like the primary edge that could make him the starter.

In three seasons of college football, Ponds recorded seven interceptions and forced one fumble, a trait that the defenders of the Jets defense desperately lack.

We'll see if Ponds can really set himself apart from his competition when the training camp rolls around in late July.

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