Home / Sports / Undrafted Rookie Elijah Ponder Emerges as Surprise Star for Patriots
Undrafted Rookie Elijah Ponder Emerges as Surprise Star for Patriots
19 Aug
Summary
- Rookie defensive end Elijah Ponder signed as undrafted free agent
- Ponder has shot up the ranks, could dress for Patriots' Week 1 game
- Coaches praise Ponder's athletic ability, quick learning, and potential
In the lead-up to the 2025 NFL season, the New England Patriots have a new defensive standout emerging in the form of undrafted rookie Elijah Ponder. Ponder, who signed with the team after a successful college career at Cal Poly, was initially facing an uphill battle to even make the Patriots' opening roster.
However, the 22-year-old has since shot up the depth chart and is now poised to dress for the Patriots' Week 1 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Patriots outside linebackers coach Mike Smith has been particularly impressed with Ponder, describing the rookie as having "off the charts" athletic ability and the rare ability to pick up the team's system quickly.
Smith noted that Ponder has shown his skills in preseason games, including making a key block on a kick return touchdown and pressuring the quarterback multiple times. While the coach acknowledged that Ponder still has room for improvement, he expressed excitement about the young defensive end's potential, calling him "one of the best (undrafted) free agent pickups" he has ever seen.
Ponder's meteoric rise comes after a standout college career at Cal Poly, where he racked up impressive numbers, including 167 total tackles, 26.5 sacks, and an interception returned for a touchdown. Now, the undrafted rookie is poised to make an immediate impact for the Patriots as they look to build on their success in the 2024 season.
