D’Angelo Ponds – Indiana CB
Measurables / Athletic Testing
Height – 5’9
Weight – 182
Arm Length – 29 3/8”
Hand Size – 9 5/8”
40yd Dash – 4.36 (Pro Day)
10yd Split –
Broad Jump –
Vertical Jump – 43.5”
25’ Production
60 Tackles
10 PBUs
1 FF
2 INTs
1 TD
Round 2 Pick (Top 40)
- Shades of Bryce Callahan
Out of the box starting slot corner that I would feel comfortable with starting on the outside as well so long as he’s playing off coverage in a Fangio style defense against the Z and/or smallest receiver on the opposing team. In off coverage his quick footwork and great hips paired with his disciplined read and react skills would allow him to minimize contact within a route and trigger to the ball when given the opportunity. While Ponds may lack the size to be a true number 1 CB/1st Round pick (A guy that I can rely on to matchup with the opposing teams best WR regardless of profile) he’s simply too talented with too clean of film to have him any further than a handful of picks outside of the first round.
- If Ponds were 3-4 inches taller and 15 or so pounds heavier he’d have a real argument to be a the top CB taken in this draft.
Positives
Passes off responsibility in zone and finds new assignment well
Quick stop and start – Bounces off his fist step with explosiveness that catches your eye
Read and react / instincts in zone allow him to play disciplined and aggressive all at once
- Always in the right spot + doing his job but has enough feel to not be stuck or rigid in his assignment. Has a great feel for space and players within his zone/area of responsibility
Hips and feet are incredible (Best in class – IMO) – Other than routes with contact he’s always on balance and his fluid hips/quick feet allow to break with receivers and stay in their hip pocket even when in scramble drills and there’s not predictability
Willing and plus tackler despite the lack of size – Looks to rip at the bball whenever he gets the chance but doesn’t lose tackles because of it
Negatives
Size isn’t necessarily an issue as he plays with an edge and mentality that looks on film much bigger than his listed height/weight but it does show at points of contact off the line or at the top of routes
- He’ll get moved off his spot or lose a step due to being off balance from contact as receivers often outweigh him by 20-30 pounds. This will limit his role for some coaches or at the very least limit who he can matchup with week to week.
In all honesty, outside of the size issue and occasional play strength concerns throughout routes against bigger body receivers I can’t say Ponds has any true glaring flaw. If you added 3 to 4 inches and 15-20 pounds onto Ponds he’d be a no doubt 1st Round Pick but the size will limit his role and matchup ability within the league despite him playing bigger.
