The Atlanta Falcons are in dire need of reinforcements in their secondary, and Indiana's standout defensive back, D'Angelo Ponds, might just be the name to watch. Ponds made waves during the Hoosiers' impressive College Football Playoff run, earning buzz as a potential first-round pick. However, his journey hit a snag at the combine.
Despite his All-American status, Ponds' draft stock took an unexpected hit due to some concerning measurements. Standing at 5-foot-8 and a half and weighing 182 pounds, Ponds falls short of the typical size for an NFL cornerback. His arm length of 29 3/8 inches and wingspan of 72 1/4 inches further complicate his prospects, potentially pushing him out of the first two rounds and off several teams' radars, including Atlanta's.
While the Falcons could potentially snag Ponds at a more favorable draft position, they might be better off looking elsewhere. Despite his size, Ponds is undeniably talented. He emerged as one of the nation's top playmaking corners, defending 11 passes against elite competition.
The real question is whether Atlanta should consider him at pick 48. Ponds' physical attributes suggest he's more suited for a slot or nickel corner role in the NFL. With Billy Bowman Jr. already expected to fill that role upon his return, the Falcons' need for Ponds becomes less pressing.
Bowman showed promise in limited action as a rookie, and there's a chance Atlanta could retain Dee Alford in free agency, despite it being a long shot. Alford, primarily a nickel corner, also performed decently on the outside in 2025.
Unless the Falcons' coaching staff, led by Jeff Ulbrich, envisions Bowman moving to an outside role, Ponds would likely compete for an outside corner spot. However, it's uncertain if he would outperform Mike Hughes alongside A.J. Terrell against NFL receivers.
If the Falcons are eyeing secondary help on Day 2 of the draft, prospects like Colton Hood and Keith Abney might be more fitting choices, leaving Ponds as a gamble for another team to consider.