Prospect
CB 4
D'Angelo Ponds
Indiana

Height: 5'9"

Weight: 170 lbs

Class: Junior

Report by:

Connor Rogers

Connor Rogers

Measurables

Physical

Traits

multi

Football IQ

Trait Prototype: Fred Warner

defense

Box Disruptor

Trait Prototype: Bob Sanders

defense

Ball Skills

Trait Prototype: Antonio Cromartie

Summary

Strengths

Excellent ball production across two years at Indiana with 5 INTs, 2 pick sixes and 20 passes defensed

Shows off instincts and awareness in zone coverage to pounce on targets

Plays bigger than his size at outside corner with explosive leaping ability and high efficiency tackling

IQ of both route and run game development is at a high level, often finds himself in the right place and around the ball

Played his best football in the playoff against Oregon and Miami

Weaknesses

Undersized height and significant length outlier

Physicality of NFL perimeter WRs will be a challenge (was overmatched by Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith)

Has only played 24 snaps in the slot the last two seasons but could be making a full time move there in the NFL

Final Report

Ponds is an undersized outside cornerback that should smoothly transition to playing the slot at the NFL level. He displays great instincts and awareness, pouncing on targets from zone coverage. Ponds consistently plays bigger than his size both at the catch point and against the run. His explosive leaping keeps him competitive against perimeter targets and his pound for pound strength makes him a reliable tackler. He played his best football on the brightest stage in the college football playoff. That has been a theme of his college career as he was under recruited, found success at James Madison and turned into a star for a national title winning Indiana program. Betting on size outliers always comes with risk, but Ponds' tape, athleticism and demeanor should make him a highly successful pro.

Recommended Position
CB
Round Grade
2nd round