The Indianapolis Colts could decide to move on from some veterans under contract for 2026 ahead of free agency, including slot corner Kenny Moore. Indiana's D'Angelo Ponds might have been a perfect replacement for Moore in the 2026 NFL draft, but with Ponds' combine performance, that may no longer be true.
Ahead of the combine, Ponds was viewed as a likely late second-round pick or later. His raw talent is not in question. He has elite coverage skills and excellent technique. The problem is that he is so small for an NFL defensive back. He measured at just 5'81/2" and 182 pounds. How well he holds up against the brutality of the league will be in doubt.
Beyond that, though, Ponds hinted that his athleticism is going to be measured far greater than expected. He didn't run at the combine, saving that for his pro day, most likely. His vertical jump was 43.5 inches, however, which is tied for the best mark at the combine in the last three years.
D'Angelo Ponds likely too good for Indianapolis Colts to choose in the second round
Teams will want to see him run, but that jump, coupled with his tape from college, and even despite his size, might push him closer to being a first-round choice. Teams will find a way to use a great talent, and Ponds is a great talent.
He might have been the best replacement for Moore, either this year or next. The veteran slot corner will be 31 years old when the 2026 season begins, and has a cap hit of $13,110,000. Finding his replacement sooner rather than later is a must, but Moore is good at what he does. A drop is quality for the sake of age, and price would be inexcusable.
Ponds' college statistics, one year at James Madison and two at Indiana, are exceedingly impressive. His quarterback rating allowed was an astounding 54.7. He allowed four touchdown passes, but had seven interceptions and 26 passes broken up. Just 49.5 percent of the passes thrown his way were completed. He is also a willing and good tackler.
If he were four inches taller and 20 pounds heavier, he'd be a top-10 pick as he has top-10 talent. The Indianapolis Colts could have still potentially stolen him at pick 48 overall, the team's first pick in the 2026 draft. After jumping more than three-and-a-half feet in the air at the combine, however, even his small stature is unlikely to get him past dropping halfway into the second round.