Mike Vrabel’s first ever 53-man roster as head coach of the New England Patriots featured a pair of undrafted rookies. But while Efton Chism had a relatively quiet first year as a reserve wide receiver, Elijah Ponder was much more involved in the operation along the defensive edge and in the kicking game.
Sure, a nagging injury suffered by starter Harold Landry helped his cause on defense, but Ponder did manage to make the most of his opportunities en route to playing one fourth of snaps on the year. And with Landry currently on the physically unable to perform list and second-round rookie Gabe Jacas still growing into his own, a bigger role very well might be on the table for the 23-year-old.
Of course, circumstance is not the only reason why. Ponder himself has also shown signs of making the famous second-year jump this summer.
“It definitely feels different coming into Year 2, with the same system and the same coaches,” he said. “Just building all those relationships and building with the team. It feels good compared to coming in and not knowing anybody, not knowing the system, not knowing really just the NFL and how it works. …
“Definitely much more comfortable. Not just making new relationships with the new guys coming in, but building on the old relationships from last year with all the people that were here already. So, definitely making strides and definitely feeling more comfortable.”
His comfort is not all that has changed for Ponder in his second summer as a pro. He also has taken strides on the field, and as a consequence has been given regular starter-level reps opposite free agency pickup Dre’Mont Jones.
For Ponder himself, those strides are not easily quantifiable. Instead, he claimed that his development was “all around” both in terms of his abilities and his understanding of the New England defense.
“Whether that’s stopping the run, getting to the quarterback, and just focusing on the little details to do those things, I’ll just say all around,” he said.
“I think the main thing for me was probably the playbook. Just being able to know what you’re doing and be able to play freely because you have the knowledge to do so. Coming into Year 2, having the playbook — I had a little play here and there, but just being able to hone in on little details of those plays.”
Ponder appeared in 19 of a possible 21 regular season and playoff games during his rookie season, and served as a rotational option on the edge as well as a core four special teamer. In those roles, he registered a combined 28 tackles, four sacks, and also recovered three fumbles — including a pivotal one in the AFC Championship Game to set up the game’s only touchdown.
Heading into his sophomore campaign off such a solid foundation, he is not the only one feeling good about his development.
“I think he continues to just be more comfortable and understand what the game is,” said head coach Mike Vrabel ahead of the Patriots’ 17th practice of training camp on Monday. “What it is from a special teams standpoint, what it is from a first and second down standpoint, what some of the formations are, what he may be looking at, some of his keys. He doesn’t seem to be overly stressed or panic.”
For Ponder, this is the result of increased experience and an overall higher level of confidence.
“Confidence does a lot for any player,” he said. “When you come in day in and day out and put the work in, you start seeing yourself grow and your confidence grows as well. I think that plays a big part for me.”