Patriots assistant makes admission on potential steal rookie LB

The New England Patriots are hoping they hit the undrafted rookie jackpot with edge rusher Elijah Ponder. Outside linebackers coach Mike Smith admits there are moments in practice when he stares at senior defensive assistant Ben McAdoo, marveling at Ponder's abilities.

“He’s another kid that’s smart, man, for his age. He’s well above a rookie,” Smith said, via MassLive's Mark Daniels. “… He just moves like a vet. He was very smooth. He’s strong. He’s starting to understand the leverage and stuff."

The timing of Ponder's emergence has been perfect given the Patriots' ongoing struggles on the edge. They were willing to move on from edge rusher Keion White, a former second-round draft pick, before the trade deadline. The team also put star defensive tackle Milton Williams on injured reserve for an ankle injury, and Harold Landry III has been banged up.

They could use an extra boost on the edge to the point where a young, emerging player like Ponder could provide value right out of the gate.

“He’s just getting better every week,” Smith said. “There’s still a handful of things he’s got to work on and always got to work on, but he’s just a kid that man, we’re lucky to get him. It was a great find. It’s a great one.”

Ponder has two NFL sacks to his name, despite playing on only 17 percent of the defensive snaps so far this season. The former Cal Poly standout could be a potential breakout player to watch for the Patriots.

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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots assistant makes admission on potential steal rookie LB