FOXBORO — Patriots outside linebackers coach Mike Smith has worked with several Pro Bowl pass rushers over his 15-year coaching career, yet sees something new in one of his youngest players.
Undrafted rookie Elijah Ponder is “probably one of the best (undrafted) free agent pickups” Smith said he’s ever seen, noting Tuesday the Cal Poly alum at times looks like a seasoned vet.
“He was a guy that nobody was looking at, but if you look at his athletic ability, it’s off the charts,” Smith told reporters Tuesday. “He’s a big rusher. He moves great in space. He’s not scared to go put his face right down the middle if you saw him in a game. But he’s got this very rare ability of picking up things quickly and looking like he’s done it from Day 1. It’s just remarkable.”
Over his five-year career at Cal Poly, Ponder totaled 167 tackles, 26.5 sacks, one interception returned for a touchdown, seven pass breakups, three forced fumble and two blocked kicks. He was named an FCS All-American in 2023.
In the NFL, Ponder has thus far made his mark on special teams, starting on three different units in the preseason. Through two preseason games on defense, he’s tallied two hurries and one tackle. Smith also noted the Vikings used extra blockers to slow him as a pass rusher.
“I’m fired up about that kid. He’s got a vet feel to him,” Smith said. “Another guy, just last game, you look at a rush where he got chipped – and usually when you get chipped the tackle is sitting back because he’s waiting for you. The tackle’s set at four yards, which is our decision point. But he did something simple as an in and out and replaced his step… just like that. No wasted movement. It just gave me goosebumps.”