Positive vibes keep building around this Jets rookie after minicamp

In a way, New York Jets rookie cornerback D’Angelo Ponds is the defensive version of teammate Adonai Mitchell. 

Both are quickly climbing their way up the depth chart and are expected to start Week 1 against old friend Robert Saleh and the Titans. 

Mitchell, a third-year receiver acquired from the Colts last November, has earned rave reviews throughout the offseason. 

The same goes for Ponds, the No. 50 pick in April and an All-American at Indiana. 

Game recognizes game, and Mitchell loves what he’s seen from Ponds. 

“I think he’s a dog, man,” Mitchell told reporters. “You could just tell the way he approaches the game, he’s a dog. 

“He’s always been an underdog,” Mitchell continued. “A lot of people have always counted him out, and he wears that on his sleeve. I think he has a bright future.”

Adonai Mitchell and D’Angelo Ponds could be pivotal for the Jets

The respective rises of Ponds and Mitchell aren't entirely surprising, at least to those following the Jets’ every move. 

Mitchell flashed in his two months with the Jets, stepping up after Garrett Wilson went on injured reserve. 

Although the 5-foot-8, 182-pound Ponds had size working against him, he nonetheless thrived as one of the nation’s top defensive backs at Indiana. 

Both are bringing a renewed sense of optimism and positivity to a forever-tortured Jets fanbase. 

Ponds is only 21, almost certainly too young to remember the Jets’ last playoff game in January 2011. 

Mitchell turns 24 in October, so maybe he’d vaguely remember the Mark Sanchez and Braylon Edwards connection. 

The Jets still face an incredibly uphill road to the postseason, especially in an AFC East featuring the Patriots and Bills. 

Frankly, the Jets’ priorities this year should be competency and the continued emergence of young players. 

Mitchell is under team control for two more years, and Ponds signed a standard four-year rookie deal. 

The trio of Mitchell, Wilson, and Omar Cooper Jr., could become the Jets’ best receiver tandem in years. 

Ponds joins a revamped Jets defense looking to leave last year’s shameful performances behind. 

There’s still plenty of time to buy stock in both, but we suggest moving fast. 

At this rate, these two might have already established themselves as household names by the Jets’ Week 13 bye. 

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