New England Patriots' outside linebackers coach Mike Smith had high praise for undrafted rookie linebacker Elijah Ponder.
Ponder was an FCS All-American in 2023 and named to the All-Big Sky First-Team in 2023 and 2024. He recorded 167 tackles and 26.5 sacks during his run at the collegiate level. When it comes to training camp standouts, Ponder has been one of the more underrated rookies on the Patriots' roster.
He is already viewed as a dark-horse candidate to make the final 53-man team.
"I am fired up about that kid [Ponder]," said Smith. ".