Efton Chism III may’ve obtained more headlines and hype so far, however he wasn’t the one undrafted rookie to earn a spot on the New England Patriots.
Elijah Ponder, a fellow undrafted rookie and product of the Huge Sky Convention, continues to fly underneath the radar regardless of having cracked the initial 53-man roster.
Ponder did in order one of five edge defenders alongside veterans Harold Landry III, Okay’Lavon Chaisson, Keion White and Anfernee Jennings. Ponder beat out fifth-round decide Bradyn Swinson, who since has returned to the apply squad, in addition to roster hopeful Truman Jones and others.
Patriots insider Phil Perry went in-depth on Ponder throughout the Next Pats podcast, which included an unique interview with the Cal Poly product.
🔊 Subsequent Pats Podcast: Greatest-kept SECRET in Patriots rookie class | Listen & Subscribe | Watch on YouTube
“He competed and carried out properly alongside and up towards actual NFL gamers,” Perry mentioned of the 6-foot-3, 261-pound linebacker. “This man was not a fifth-string surprise. Comparatively early in camp they had been giving him possibilities towards actual NFL linemen, guys who’re on the crew proper now.”
Ponder was listed on Perry’s 53-man roster projection forward of the roster cutdown Tuesday afternoon, an inclusion largely primarily based on his athleticism and potential.
Ponder affords uncommon athletic traits, and it is caught out to New England’s teaching workers, as Perry identified.
“He was a man that no person was taking a look at, however for those who take a look at his athletic potential, it is off the charts,” Patriots outdoors linebackers coach Mike Smith mentioned. “He is an enormous rusher. He strikes nice in house. He is not scared to go put his face proper down the center of you for those who noticed him in a sport. However he is received this very uncommon potential of selecting issues up fast and appear to be he is finished it from day one. It is simply exceptional.
“That’s one other one which has a particularly shiny future,” Smith continued. “Most likely among the best undrafted free-agent pickups that I’ve ever seen.”
It is no certainty that Ponder will play a job when the Patriots give out 46 jerseys on gameday. And if he does, it is more likely to be on particular groups with Landry, Chaisson and White serving as the highest edge choices.
However, New England may need discovered a developmental piece in Ponder.
“He is the form of man I believe you may financial institution on enhancing over time and finally growing an actual position on the defensive facet of the ball,” Perry mentioned. “And who is aware of the place it goes from there.”
Additionally on this episode:
- Phil Perry’s unique interview with Elijah Ponder
- Mailbag questions
Trending Merchandise
