Elijah Ponder making most of increased opportunity this spring

Posted by Admin June 10, 2026 NFL

Opportunities have been available along the edge for the New England Patriots this offseason. So far, Elijah Ponder has taken advantage.

With veteran Harold Landry and second-round rookie Gabe Jacas not participating in the team’s offseason program, the second-year pass rusher has been a staple up front, where he has made a strong impression.

“I’ve got very high expectations for him. Very,” outside linebacker coach Mike 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.

“Again, we’re nine or 10 [practices in], but I got high expectations for him.”

Signed as an undrafted free-agent last year, Smith called Ponder one of the best UDFA pickups he had ever seen during training camp. The 23-year old went on to make the Patriots’ 53-man roster and play 24 percent of the team’s defensive snaps.

Ponder continued to take strides as the season progressed, finishing with 4.0 sacks — all coming over his final eight games. The Cal Poly product is now carrying that momentum into Year 2.

“He’s always going to fight. He’s not going to say much. He’s very intelligent. He’s big, he’s athletic,” Smith said. “He’s done some kind of freaky stuff this spring, coming around the edge at the top of his rush that you’re like, ‘Oh wow, that’s pretty nice to see.’

“But again, let’s get the pads on and see if he can do that stuff when the bullets are flying. But he’s had a really good camp, and he has made some big strides.”

Even as Landry and Jacas eventually make their return, the Patriots could use the emergence of another edge rusher in a group that also includes free agent addition Dre’Mont Jones.

Through the spring, Ponder — as well as fellow second-year edge rusher Bradyn Swinson — has taken steps toward potentially becoming that player.

“I’ll be honest, I love OTAs and minicamp for second-year guys, especially if I got a chance to work with them for a year,” Smith said. “That’s really exciting to see where they’re at. They feel comfortable. It’s nice to know these defenses and not have that rookie feeling and all that stuff. So yeah, I love their development. A year in the weight room, their bodies are changing. It’s been fun to see.”