Patriots Mocked To Select ‘Undersized’ Cornerback At 63rd Overall

The New England Patriots They might tackle the defensive aspect of the ball with their second-round decide within the 2026 NFL Draft.

New England traded up within the first spherical to pick out offensive sort out Caleb Lomu out of Utah. The Patriots nonetheless have the 63rd general decide, which is the second-last decide within the second spherical, to search out one other affect participant who can doubtlessly are available in and begin.

Ahead of Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft on Friday, analyst Josh Edwards of CBS Sports has them deciding on cornerback D’Angelo Ponds out of Indiana.

“Could Ponds be that next undersized cornerback, like Trent McDuffie, who has the flexibility to line up outside as well as over the slot? He plays bigger than his size and held his own against some very talented receivers in the Big 10,” Edwards wrote in an article printed on Friday morning.

Ponds performed two years at Indiana after one season at James Madison and was a key a part of the Hoosiers’ protection, which helped the workforce win a nationwide championship. Last season, he recorded 60 tackles, 10 move defenses, two interceptions, and one pressured fumble.

However, Ponds is simply 5-foot-9, so there are many query marks about his peak and the way he’ll be capable to play within the NFL in opposition to taller receivers. Yet, if Ponds can play as he did in faculty, he might be an impactful cornerback for years to return.

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