The most talked-about names at New England Patriots minicamp were predictable. Drake Maye continuing to grow into the offense. AJ Brown catching touchdowns in his first week with the team. But Boston Sports Journal’s Mike Giardi pointed to a third name that earned just as much attention, and it belongs to a player who went undrafted a year ago.
“Aside from the obvious, Drake Maye and A.J. Brown, I’m not sure any player on the Patriots got as much shine during mandatory minicamp as Elijah Ponder,” Giardi wrote.
Nov 13, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields (7) run the ball against New England Patriots linebacker Elijah Ponder (91) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Why Ponder’s opportunity opened up and how he’s made the most of it
Ponder signed with New England as an undrafted free agent in April 2025 and made the 53-man roster as a rookie, playing 24 percent of the team’s defensive snaps. He appeared in 19 games, including the playoffs, finishing with 28 tackles, four sacks and three fumble recoveries. His most memorable moment came in the AFC Championship Game against Denver, where he recovered a fumble forced by a pressure that helped seal New England’s path to the Super Bowl.
Aside from the obvious – Drake Maye and A.J. Brown – I’m not sure any player on the Patriots got as much shine during mandatory minicamp as Elijah Ponder… https://t.co/SOaO7MJbvr
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) June 20, 2026
With veteran Harold Landry and second-round rookie Gabe Jacas both sidelined this spring, Ponder repped consistently with the first-team defense. His position coach, Mike Smith, has not hidden his expectations.
“I’ve got very high expectations for him. Very,” Smith said. “All these guys have done great all spring, but he really, really looks comfortable out there. It has really slowed down for him.”
Smith also called Ponder one of the best undrafted free agent pickups he’s evaluated, and Ponder recorded one of two would-be sacks during the Patriots’ first mandatory minicamp practice in Foxborough.
Head coach Mike Vrabel summed up the entire edge rusher group’s development during minicamp. “I’m excited about adding Dre’Mont Jones, the development of Ponder and Swinson,” Vrabel said.
With Landry’s age and recovery from knee surgery a real consideration, and Jacas’ continued absence putting his readiness in question, Ponder’s strong spring puts him in position for a significantly expanded role when the Patriots open training camp in late July.