The New England Patriots have always been known for their ability to find hidden gems in the NFL draft. However, this year, it seems like they may have struck gold with an undrafted free agent – Elijah Ponder. Despite being a long shot to make the 53-man roster, Ponder has caught the attention of his position coach, Mike Smith, who has nothing but praise for the rookie.
In a recent interview, Smith couldn’t stop raving about Ponder’s skills and potential. He described the young linebacker as having a “very rare ability” that sets him apart from other players. This is high praise coming from a coach who has worked with some of the best linebackers in the league.
So, what exactly is this “very rare ability” that Ponder possesses? According to Smith, it’s his incredible speed and agility. Ponder has shown an impressive burst off the line and the ability to quickly change direction, making him a formidable force on the field. This is a crucial skill for a linebacker, as they need to be able to chase down running backs and cover receivers in pass plays.
But it’s not just his physical abilities that have impressed Smith. He also praised Ponder’s work ethic and dedication to improving his game. Despite being an undrafted free agent, Ponder has shown a level of determination and commitment that is usually seen in seasoned veterans. He has been putting in extra hours in the weight room and studying game tapes, determined to make the most of this opportunity with the Patriots.
It’s not surprising that Ponder has caught the eye of his coaches and teammates. During his college career at Cincinnati, he was a standout player, recording 10.5 sacks and 23 tackles for loss in his senior year alone. However, due to the pandemic, he was unable to participate in the NFL combine or have a pro day, which may have contributed to him going undrafted.
But the Patriots saw something in Ponder that other teams may have missed, and it seems like their gamble is paying off. He has been turning heads during training camp and has even received some first-team reps, a significant achievement for an undrafted rookie.
Of course, it’s still early days, and Ponder has a long way to go before he secures a spot on the final roster. But his impressive performance so far has given the Patriots coaching staff a lot of confidence in his abilities. And with the team’s history of developing young players into stars, Ponder couldn’t have landed in a better place to kickstart his NFL career.
It’s not just the coaches who are excited about Ponder’s potential. His teammates have also taken notice of his skills and work ethic. Veteran linebacker Dont’a Hightower has been mentoring Ponder and has been impressed by his willingness to learn and improve. Hightower believes that Ponder has what it takes to be a successful player in the league and is excited to see him in action.
The Patriots have a reputation for being a no-nonsense team that values hard work and dedication above all else. And it seems like Ponder fits right in with this ethos. He has already earned the respect and admiration of his coaches and teammates, and if he continues to impress, he may just earn a spot on the final roster.
In conclusion, the New England Patriots may have found a diamond in the rough in Elijah Ponder. His rare abilities, coupled with his determination and work ethic, have caught the attention of his coaches and teammates. While it’s still early days, Ponder’s future with the Patriots looks bright, and fans can’t wait to see him in action on the field. With the right guidance and support, Ponder has the potential to become a star player for the Patriots and make a name for himself in the NFL.
