D'Angelo Ponds Scouting Report

Here's everything NFL Draft fans need to know about Indiana cornerback D'Angelo Ponds:

Height: 5-9

Weight: 170

Strengths

He may be undersized, but Ponds plays like he has no idea. He’s feisty and competitive, approaching every rep with surprising physicality, whether he’s matching up with bigger receivers at the line of scrimmage or the catch point, or flying downhill to make tackles in the run game. Ponds has impressive short-area burst and fluidity, flipping his hips and using smooth footwork to stick to his receiver and close quickly on short catches to limit extra yardage. He plays with a high level of awareness, with the explosiveness and ball skills to make quick breaks and get his hands on the ball. Ponds is equally comfortable in both man and zone coverage, using a balanced blend of physical and mental tools to bring whatever the situation needs on every snap. 

Weaknesses

Though his physical style of play is admirable, Ponds will have to prove that he can maintain that same level of physicality (and the success that has come along with it) against NFL competition that will be far less forgiving of his shortcomings. One of the ways Ponds overcomes his lack of size is being active with his hands, and NFL officiating won’t let him get away with as much contact as he was used to in college. Bigger receivers with longer arms are a huge challenge for Ponds in contested-catch situations.

Final Analysis

Ponds may not meet the size threshold for some teams, and his biggest limitations are things he can’t do much about. That said, he has mental traits you just can’t teach, makes big plays in clutch situations, and can play in any scheme. If his smaller frame can hold us, Ponds could be a dynamic playmaker for any NFL defense.

Current Projection: 3rd Round