The New York Jetstraded for cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. in September of the 2025 season. Primarily an outside corner for the Tennessee Titans, the Jets viewed Brownlee as having more versatility. Traditionally undersized for a boundary role, Aaron Glenn also played him at the nickel.
Brownlee moved around as required as the Jets’ secondary dealt with injuries, trades, and performance issues. For example, Brownlee played 41 of his 50 coverage snaps in Week 10 as an outside cornerback, according to Pro Football Focus’ tracking. The following week, he earned 40 snaps as the nickel cornerback.
A recent development brings Brownlee’s best fit with the Jets into question. General manager Darren Mougey selected Indiana cornerback D’Angelo Ponds with the No. 50 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite primarily playing outside at Indiana, Ponds and his 5-foot-8, 182-pound frame definitely projects as a nickel cornerback in the league.
The Jets have Brandon Stephens and Azareye’h Thomas at boundary cornerback. Brownlee is definitely flexible enough to compete at both outside and nickel corner. Perhaps the Jets will ease Ponds into their plans and he begins the season as a reserve nickel defender behind Brownlee. Coach Glenn has options, which is half the battle.
It’s a problem that should ultimately make the Jets better in the secondary.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Will D’Angelo Ponds complicate Jarvis Brownlee’s role with the Jets?