Patriots Coaches Praise Rookies Elijah Ponder and Bradyn Swinson

In a promising season for the New England Patriots, rookie pass rushers Elijah Ponder and Bradyn Swinson have caught the attention of their coaching staff. Outside linebackers coach Mike Smith has expressed admiration for Ponder, an undrafted rookie from Cal Poly, who has exceeded expectations since making the team’s 53-man roster.

Smith previously described Ponder as “probably one of the best (undrafted) free agent pickups” he has encountered. The young player has seen an increase in his responsibilities, particularly following the trade of Keion White to the San Francisco 49ers. Notably, Ponder has recorded two sacks in his last three games, showcasing his potential on the field.

Rookies Making Their Mark

“He’s a kid that’s smart for his age,” Smith remarked about Ponder. “He’s well above a rookie.” Despite displaying some typical rookie mistakes, Ponder’s fluid movements, strength, and understanding of leverage have impressed not only Smith but also senior defensive assistant Ben McAdoo. The duo often finds themselves surprised at Ponder’s ability to maneuver effectively at his size.

Smith highlighted Ponder’s versatility, noting, “He’s a guy that can play multiple positions. That kid’s got a bright future.” As Ponder continues to improve, Smith remains optimistic about his trajectory in the league, stating, “He’s just getting better every week.”

Swinson, who was selected in the fifth round of the draft out of LSU, faced challenges early in the season after not making the roster out of training camp and spending the first half of the season on injured reserve. Recently, he was signed to the 53-man roster from the practice squad and made his NFL debut in the Patriots’ victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, playing ten snaps on special teams.

Coaching and Development

Smith commended Swinson for his dedication and work ethic throughout his recovery. He emphasized the importance of transitioning from college to the professional level, stating, “Sometimes you get these rookies coming from college, and really, most of them, it’s a different transition.” Swinson’s commitment to improving his fitness and consistency in the weight room has been recognized by the coaching staff.

Smith explained that as players like Swinson start to adopt a professional mindset, the rewards will follow. “When you start doing that stuff, Vrabes (head coach Mike Vrabel) will start rewarding you. He’s been working his butt off and practice player of the week,” Smith said, indicating that Swinson is making significant strides in his development.

The progress of both Ponder and Swinson reflects the coaching staff’s commitment to developing talent within the team. As the season unfolds, both rookies are poised to make a lasting impact on the Patriots’ defensive lineup. With strong support from their coaches, the future looks bright for these emerging edge defenders.