Patriots Coach Says 1 Rookie Has ‘Very Uncommon Means’

The New England Patriots could have discovered a diamond within the tough.

Undrafted free agent Elijah Ponder appeared like an extended shot to make the 53-man roster, however judging by his place coach’s phrases, that will not be the case.

Patriots OLB coach Mike Smith had nothing however constructive issues to say concerning the Cal Poly product.

“He’s obtained this very uncommon capacity of selecting up issues fast and appear like he’s accomplished it from Day One. … Has a particularly vivid future. Most likely among the best free agent pickups I’ve ever seen,” Smith stated, by way of Phil Perry of NBCS Boston.

Patriots OLB coach Mike Smith on undrafted rookie Elijah Ponder:

“He’s obtained this very uncommon capacity of selecting up issues fast and appear like he’s accomplished it from Day 1… Has a particularly vivid future. Most likely among the best free agent pickups I’ve ever seen.“ pic.twitter.com/AcEx9SmO3o

— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) August 19, 2025

The Patriots emphasised bolstering their go rush this offseason.

They chose Bradyn Swinson within the fifth spherical of the 2025 NFL Draft, signed Okay’Lavon Chaisson, and spent to reunite former Tennessee Titans star Harold Landry III with head coach Mike Vrabel.

Swinson and Chaisson ought to be forward of Ponder on the depth chart, however that may not be the case for for much longer.

Ponder is a mesmerizing athlete, and although he…