ESPN’s Matt Miller has dove deep into film study and tapped his network of NFL scouts to craft an early look at all 32 first-round selections for the 2026 draft.
On Monday, ESPN's Matt Miller released his first 2026 mock draft and predicted all 30 first-round selections next spring. Indiana Hoosiers cornerback D'Angelo Ponds was selected as the No. 28 overall pick by the Baltimore Ravens and the fourth cornerback off the board in the first round.
"The Ravens added two short-term cornerback options in veterans Jaire Alexander and Chidobe Awuzie, but they need a long-term solution," wrote Miller. "Ponds projects as a slot corner because of his 5-foot-9, 170-pound frame, but he's a feisty cover man with ball skills (five career interceptions) and the quickness to match up with inside receivers. Having him join a pair of young safeties in 24-year-old All-Pro Kyle Hamilton and 2025 first-rounder Malaki Starks would give Baltimore a fierce group of youthful playmakers."
At the moment early in the process, Miller has three cornerbacks going before Ponds: Tennessee's Jermod McCoy, Clemson's Avieon Terrell and Penn State's A.J Harris. McCoy is currently projected to be selected No. 15 overall by the Dolphins, he has Terrell going to the Bengals No. 24 overall and finally Harris being selected No. 25 overall by the Washington Commanders.
Ponds is coming off of a huge breakout 2024 season after transferring from James Madison in 2023. Ponds received second-team All-America honors from The Athletic, CBS Sports, ESPN, Football Writers Association of America, Phil Steele, and USA Today Sports.
Here’s what ESPN’s Chris Low said about Ponds:
Ponds had a breakout sophomore season in 2024 at Indiana after transferring from James Madison. A second-team ESPN All-American, he doesn’t have great size (5-9, 170 pounds), but he is a physical cornerback who also locks down opposing receivers in coverage.
Ponds appeared in all 13 games with 12 starts in 2024. He totaled 55 tackles with 4.5 tackles for loss. The sophomore also had three interceptions and broke up nine passes, including two pick six int's against Nebraska and Washington.
Indiana has had just one first-round selection in the NFL Draft since 1994.
The Hoosiers begin their 2025 season at home against Old Dominion from the Sun Belt Conference.
Indiana CB D’Angelo Ponds projected as a 1st Round NFL Draft pick by ESPN. #iufb https://t.co/iASF11OPvR
— Jared Kelly (@Jared_Kelly7) June 30, 2025