Indiana CB D'Angelo Ponds Impresses at Pro Day With Blazing 40 Time

Ponds' speed and ball skills could make him an ideal fit for the Cowboys' secondary needs.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:55pm

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Indiana cornerback D'Angelo Ponds turned heads at his Pro Day with an explosive 4.31-second 40-yard dash, showcasing the speed and athleticism that could make him an attractive target for the Dallas Cowboys in the upcoming NFL Draft. Despite his smaller stature at 5-foot-9 and 182 pounds, Ponds has proven himself as a highly competitive and productive cornerback capable of playing both on the boundary and in the slot.

Why it matters

The Cowboys are looking to bolster their secondary after a poor pass defense performance in 2025, and Ponds' skill set could be an ideal fit for their needs. While Dallas is expected to target a cornerback early in the draft, Ponds could be a potential Day 2 option if the team decides to trade back.

The details

Ponds put on an impressive showing at his Pro Day, highlighted by his blazing 4.31-second 40-yard dash time. Despite his smaller size, he has a knack for making plays on the ball, totaling 33 pass breakups and 7 interceptions over his college career at James Madison and Indiana. Ponds helped lead Indiana to its first-ever National Championship last season, proving he can excel against elite competition.

  • Ponds held his Pro Day workout on March 29, 2026.

The players

D'Angelo Ponds

A 5-foot-9, 182-pound cornerback who played his final two college seasons at Indiana University after transferring from James Madison. Ponds is known for his speed, ball skills, and competitive nature on the field.

Jalen Thompson

A safety signed by the Dallas Cowboys this offseason to help improve their pass defense.

P.J. Locke

Another safety signed by the Cowboys this offseason to bolster their secondary.

Cobie Durant

A cornerback signed by the Cowboys this offseason to add depth to their defensive backfield.

Derion Kendrick

A cornerback signed by the Cowboys this offseason to help improve their pass defense.

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What they’re saying

“Consider Indiana corner D'Angelo Ponds as an example. Ponds is 5-9. His arms are sub-30 inches. That might be concerning at first glance, unless a draft evaluator also saw that he had the highest vertical jump at the NFL Combine and was only second among all prospects to Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers (Denton Guyer).”

— Joseph Hoyt, Writer

What’s next

The Cowboys are expected to target a cornerback early in the 2026 NFL Draft, with the 12th and 20th overall picks being potential landing spots for Ponds if the team decides to address the position in the first round. If Dallas trades back, Ponds could become an attractive Day 2 option to help bolster their secondary.

The takeaway

Ponds' impressive Pro Day performance, highlighted by his blazing 40-yard dash time, has put him firmly on the Cowboys' radar as they look to improve their pass defense. While his smaller stature may be a concern for some teams, Ponds' ball skills, competitiveness, and ability to play both outside and in the slot make him an intriguing fit for Dallas' defensive needs.