Sportsnaut
The Patriots have now gone through two weeks of training camp practices, and the first preseason game is just days away. Thus, we’ve learned quite a bit about this roster so far.
Some of the expected names have impressed this summer, while others have failed to stand out and could be on the chopping block soon. Much of the hype around the team this summer has focused on the offense, as the group of playmakers appears to be much improved from a season ago.
However, there are some intriguing young pieces on the defense as well. Joshua Farmer, Bradyn Swinson, Craig Woodson, and Kobee Minor are the defenders that the team added in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, it’s been undrafted free agent Elijah Ponder who has really stood out, especially during Monday’s practice.
Patriots insider Carlos A. Lopez noted that Ponder won a whopping four reps during the 1-on-1 portion of practice. Lopez mentioned Ponder’s “ability to bend the edge,” and he wasn’t the only one to notice Ponder.
#Patriots Training Camp Notes [Full Pads] (8/4):
𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲
• WR Javon Baker caught 3(!) straight TDs delivered by QB Josh Dobbs during 7-on-7s — Baker rose up and moss’d CB Kobee Minor on a fade for one of the TDs.
• RB TreVeyon Henderson got open down the sideline on a… pic.twitter.com/gS2MYJFiro
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) August 4, 2025
Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald was also impressed by the UDFA on Monday, calling it a “huge day for the underrated EDGE.”
This is an exciting development for the Patriots, as the edge-rusher group is not considered to be especially deep. Harold Landry III was added in free agency, but the veteran is likely on the downslide of his career and has never been a truly elite pass-rusher. Anfernee Jennings is currently slated to be the other starting edge-rusher, and Jennings has never accumulated more than 2.5 sacks in a season.
It will be interesting to see if Ponder can carry this positive momentum into the preseason. With a strong preseason showing, Ponder could easily find himself on the final roster and could even end up as a useful rotational player in his rookie season.
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