New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn stressed the importance of having players who come from winning programs after the team selected Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey, Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq and Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Gang Green scooped up another national champion with the No. 50 overall pick, and he happened to draw a comparison to his new boss.
Renowned draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah sees so much of Glenn in Hoosiers cornerback D’Angelo Ponds and could not help but get excited when the Jets snagged him on Friday night. “Aaron Glenn just drafted himself,” he exclaimed on NFL Network. Jeremiah, who also had the 21-year-old listed as his No. 50-ranked prospect in the class, absolutely aced this evaluation. “Thank you draft gods for giving me this, thank you so much.”
“Aaron Glenn just drafted himself.”
Might be @MoveTheSticks‘ favorite pick of the night pic.twitter.com/5TgdC4Cng3
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) April 25, 2026
Ponds joins Cooper in the Meadowlands, where he will be tasked with implementing the winning culture and tenacity that perfectly characterized the improbable Indiana title team. Despite measuring at only 5-foot-8 with 29-inch-long arms, he was a big playmaker for Curt Cignetti’s squad. Ponds recorded two interceptions, one of which was a pick-six, along with 44 solo tackles, four tackles for loss and a forced fumble last season. He was at his best when the lights were brightest.
The All-American was named defensive MVP in both the Rose Bowl and Peach Bowl, serving as the backbone of an Indiana secondary that smothered opponents. A resilient prospect who plays above his size, records a 42 passer rating allowed and contributes to the most incredible championship campaign in college football history is obviously going to appeal to Aaron Glenn.
The three-time Pro Bowler and former Jets CB exuded intensity on the field, and although his first year as HC was a disaster, he is looking to light a fire in the defense moving forward. Perhaps D’Angelo Ponds can help make this vision a reality.
While Daniel Jeremiah savors this moment, Ponds and Glenn will try to get to know each other a bit better.
The post Jets’ D’Angelo Ponds had pre-draft player comps to new coach Aaron Glenn appeared first on ClutchPoints.
