The Chargers have their fair share of needs entering this NFL Draft. Offensive guard and edge rusher are at the top of that list, but cornerback has become one of the sneakier needs that could end up being filled on the first two nights of the draft.
In fact, there’s one specific cornerback in this year’s class that some analysts believe would be a perfect fit for the Chargers, and he could most likely be had for a second-round pick. Per ESPN’s Matt Bowen, the Chargers would be the best fit for Indiana
cornerback D’Angelo Ponds, the team’s defensive MVP through their run to the CFP National Championship.
“Under new coordinator Chris O’Leary, the Chargers will likely play a lot of zone match coverage,“ says Bowen. ”That would cater to the ability of Ponds, who has the short-area speed to close on the ball and can match up well on intermediate routes. Ponds is also competitive at the catch point, finishing with two interceptions and 10 pass breakups last season. And he’s a competitive run defender despite his size.“
The Chargers currently have a starting trio of Donte Jackson, Tarheeb Still, and Cam Hart. All three are good players who can start in this league. At the same time, the team needs a specialist in the slot who can help alleviate that responsibility from occasionally falling into the lap of Still who is much better used on the outside.
Enter Ponds, a scrappy defender who plays much larger than his measurables read. He’s also a big-time player in that he’s not afraid of the moment. During the CFP Semifinal matchup against the Oregon Ducks, Ponds intercepted the first pass of the game before returning it for a touchdown. That play alone exemplifies the type of player Ponds is and truly any team in the league would be lucky to have him.
Ponds started his collegiate career with Curt Cignetti at James Madison in 2023. He followed his coach to Indiana in 2024 and all he did was prove he belonged at the Power 4 level with two strong seasons for the Hoosiers that included 118 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, five interceptions, 20 pass breakups, and two picks returned for touchdowns. He was named First-Team All-Big Ten in both seasons before earning First-Team All-American honors as a junior.
Bowen notes that Ponds should be available when the Chargers pick at No. 55. If that’s the case, would you all be content with this pick? If the Chargers take a guard in the first round, will this round out a strong first two rounds for the Bolts? Yay or nay? Let us know all of your thoughts below!
