Name: Dont’a Hightower
Ideal Position: 4-3/ 3-4 ILB
Measurements: 6-4 260 lbs.
School: Alabama
-Hightower really showed off in the National Championship game, and made himself a good bit of money because he is now a very hot name.
-Took a fair amount of false steps against Florida’s option scheme, but showed good recovery when he found the ball.
-Will tackle low or high whatever it takes to get the job done. Not always a thumper which is good and bad. Good because it shows that he is strong enough to get a BC down by his ankles, but bad because he won’t be a constant defensive intimidator.
-Very smart and shifty presnap. You can tell he does his fair share of film study, and recognizes tendencies and formations. Does a good job checking out of plays and communicating with the other 10 guys on his side. Big plus
-On blitzes he will wow you. Shows strong initial contact and does a good job rolling his hips and knocking OL off their feet.
-Semi versatile, has lined up at DE, ILB, MLB, and as an OLB. However these capabilities are only situational and his best fit is MLB.
-Does a good job extending his arms and looking the backfield for the ball when blockers come to him. Generally he will punch, look, then shed which is a plus because some guys like to look then punch which gets them out of position or blocked if they are going against a decent OL.
-I’m very impressed with his ability to rush the passer, and I think he brings more versatility than I originally thought. While he still carries a second round grade, that doesn’t mean that a LB needy team like the Patriots, Giants, or Detroit won’t reach for him. Top 48 pick. Possible destinations: New England, New York Giants, Detroit, Tampa Bay, Green Bay.
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