The New England Patriots had just 35 sacks in the regular season last year, but outside linebackers coach Mike Smith thinks Elijah Ponder could go a long way in improving that.
The Patriots lost K'Lavon Chaisson in free agency, but signed Dre'Mont Jones and drafted Gabe Jacas. They should also be getting a healthy version of Harold Landry this season. However, Ponder may be flying under the radar after a solid rookie season.
Ponder signed with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent out of Cal Poly last offseason. He ended up making the team and recorded four sacks on the season. He played just 215 defensive snaps on the season, but he is trying to earn more playing time this year. With Landry currently sidelined, Ponder is getting a chance to start in practices. Smith has high expectations for him going into the year.
"I’ve got very high expectations for him. Very,” Smith said on Wednesday, per MassLive's Mark Daniels. “All these guys have done great all spring, but he really, really looks comfortable out there. It has really slowed down for him. And again, we’re June 9th or 10th, but I got high expectations for him. He’s always gonna fight. He’s not gonna say much. He’s very intelligent. When you’re very intelligent like that, he’s big. He’s as athletic. He’s done some kind of freaky stuff the spring around the edge, the top of his rush that you’re like, ‘Oh, wow, that’s pretty nice to see.’"
Jacas has yet to sign his contract, something plenty of second-round picks have done in the last couple of years, but his absence opens the door for Ponder. Landry and Jacas could both be ahead of Ponder on the depth chart, but if Ponder continues to shine while they are out he may earn himself more snaps.
While Ponder has impressed so far, Smith noted that he needs to do so when the pads come on.
"Let’s get the pads on and let’s see if we can do that stuff when the bullets are flying,” Smith said. “But he’s had a really good camp, and he has made some big strides.”
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