Patriots Reportedly 'Love' This Second-Year Player, Expect Major Breakout

Patriots Reportedly 'Love' This Second-Year Player, Expect Major Breakout originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Elijah Ponder isn't a household name, but the Patriots apparently expect big things from the second-year edge rusher.

Ponder joined New England as an undrafted rookie last year. He earned a roster spot after an impressive training camp, and went on to post 24 total tackles and four sacks while seeing 24% of the defensive snaps in 15 games. Ponder also earned a 53% snap rate on special teams.

Many fans are focused on the likes of Dre'Mont Jones, Harold Landry and second-round rookie Gabe Jacas as New England's top edge rushers. But don't be surprised if Ponder breaks out next season and steals playing time from players higher on the depth chart.In the latest episode of his podcast, Bedard mentioned Ponder as someone whom Jacas must compete with."

(Jacas) is competing with Bradyn Swinson for No. 4 (on the depth chart)," Bedard said. "So, you have Harold Landry, Dre'Mont Jones, Elijah Ponder -- who, by the way, the Patriots love Isaiah Ponder.

They think he's going to be something this year. So, let me say that."@GregABedard isn't panicking over Gabe Jacas being a few steps behind:"He's not significantly behind for where he's gonna be, unless you had dreams that Gabe Jacas was gonna be this impact rookie, which I think was a complete pipe dream."

NEW Greg Bedard Pod▶️… pic.twitter.

com/dVnzYIUbh4— Patriots on CLNS (@PatriotsCLNS) June 16, 2026Time will tell whether Ponder emerges as a consistent force for the Patriots. But with New England reportedly "mildly annoyed with Jacas", and Landry on the decline, Ponder could enter training camp with a leg up on the competition.The Patriots currently are enjoying a lengthy summer break.

They'll return in late July for the start of training camp.More NFL: Ex-Patriots WR Stefon Diggs Admits He Wants To Join This NFC Team