FOXBOROUGH – Efton Chism III has garnered the most headlines when it comes to the Patriots’ undrafted free agent class. However, he’s not the only one garnering rave reviews.

Outside linebacker Elijah Ponder has also had a strong summer. The rookie looked the part of a core special teamer at the beginning of camp. This week, he also took reps with the starting defense after a strong showing in Minnesota.

On Tuesday, Patriots outside linebackers coach Mike Smith gushed about Ponder’s smarts and skillset. While speaking about the Cal Poly product, Smith admitted to getting goosebumps.

“Watching him coming out, because he was a guy that nobody was looking at, but if you look at his athletic ability, it’s off the charts,” Smith said. “He’s a big rusher. He moves great in space. He’s not scared to go put his face right down the middle if you saw him in game. But he’s got this very rare ability of picking up things quick and look like he’s done it from Day 1. It’s just remarkable. That is another one that has an extremely bright future. Probably one of the best (undrafted) free agent pickups that I’ve ever seen.”

That’s high praise from Smith, who played as a linebacker with the Baltimore Ravens (2005-2008) and has been coaching since 2009.

A 6-foot-3, 261-pound edge rusher, Ponder led the Big Sky Conference in sacks with 10 last season. He also finished with 52 total tackles, 13 for loss, and tied a Cal Poly record with 17 quarterback hurries. That performance earned him FCS All-American third-team honors.  

Smith was encouraged by Ponder’s performance against the Vikings last weekend. He noted that Minnesota was using an extra player to chip Ponder before each pass rusher, but that didn’t stop the rookie from getting in the backfield or to the quarterback.

The rookie had one quarterback hit – and it was on the final play, which Vikings quarterback Max Brosmer was then intercepted in the end zone.

“I’m fired up about that kid. He’s got a vet feel to him,” Smith said. “Another guy, just last game, you look at a rush where he got chipped – and usually when you get chipped the tackle is sitting back because he’s waiting for you. The tackle’s set at 4 yards, which is our decision point. But he did something simple as an in and out and replaced his step… just like that. No wasted movement. It just gave me goosebumps.”

At this point, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Ponder on the Patriots’ 53-man roster, where he’ll contribute on special teams and add depth to the edge rusher position.

“He’s got a ways to go, though,” Smith said. “Don’t get that twisted, but his movement ability and his knowledge and how smart he is and how fast he picks up things. It’s remarkable.”

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