Patriots Coach Says 1 Rookie Has ‘Very Uncommon Capacity’

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

Undrafted free agent Elijah Ponder regarded like an extended shot to make the 53-man roster, however judging by his place coach’s phrases, that will now 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 capability of selecting up issues fast and seem like he’s finished it from Day One. … Has an especially vibrant future. Most likely top-of-the-line free agent pickups I’ve ever seen,” Smith mentioned, through Phil Perry of NBCS Boston.

Patriots OLB coach Mike Smith on undrafted rookie Elijah Ponder:

“He’s obtained this very uncommon capability of selecting up issues fast and seem like he’s finished it from Day 1… Has an especially vibrant future. Most likely top-of-the-line free agent pickups I’ve ever seen.“ pic.twitter.com/AcEx9SmO3o

— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) August 19, 2025

The Patriots emphasised bolstering their cross 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 must 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 could…