Dont'a Hightower

[pappymojo]

A place to discuss.

http://www.nepatriotsdraft.com/2010/06/donta-hightower-scouting-report.html

Strengths: Incredible athlete, speed, size and strength are all there – Moves very well laterally in the box – Excellent instincts lead him to the ball very quickly – Reads and reacts with speed – Drops into coverage well, sees routes as they happen in zone – Delivers hits with the best of them – Can shed blocks inside and make the tackle – Dynamic pass-rusher when asked to play on the edge – Best fit as a 3-4 SOLB, but can play 4-3 SLB, 3-4 ILB and even rush as a 4-3 DE in sub-packages.
Weaknesses: Not going to excel in man coverage, some stiffness in the hips – Durability is a concern – Will occasionally be over-aggressive – Not a sideline to sideline guy – .

 

[SoxScout]

 

[Saints Rest]

That video worries me. The first 1:20 is filled with hurries, but no actual sacks. Always a second late. I also wonder how many of those hits would be penalties in the NFL, especially the strip-sack against LSU which shows a clear blow to the head that would never go unflagged in the NFL.

 

[DJnVa]

I noticed the same thing, but maybe the guy was grouping all the hurries together and you're not a second late if you are causing an incompletion. The QB throwing the ball away isn't a bad thing, and in a bunch of them it didn't seem like the QB was completing anything based on his reaction.

 

[Vinho Tinto]

Kiper wrote in his draft guide: "Hightower is a true, consummate 3-4 inside linebacker. He could also project as a SAM linebacker as well. I thought his decision to come back to Alabama for the 2011 season was a smart one, because he looked a step slow in 2010 after recovering from the knee injury suffered as a true sophomore. Two years removed from the injury, Hightower’s production and performance is dramatically improved. He had more impact plays and more plays across the board. There aren’t many 265-pound inside linebackers that can run like this kid does or is athletic as he is. Hightower is also well coached under Nick Saban, and he played at Alabama in that same 3-4 scheme he’s likely to be used in when he gets to the NFL. He got back to form in 2011 to being the player he was projected to be early in his career at Alabama. Hightower looked like a future star then and he is again now. Now looks like a definite first rounder. *Combine Note: Ran a 4.62, didn't lift, and had a 32" vertical jump"

 

[Tyrone Biggums]

I think you could really make the argument that this might have been the best first round for the Patriots since Mayo. They filled two serious areas of need. Hightower will be a pretty damn good run stopper IMO

 

[BigMike]

As a Steelers fan, I have listened to 3 months of speculating Hightower to Pittsburgh, and I was a big hater on the idea.

I think he can be a decent player, I think you have to really believe in him as a rush end to really ,make him worth the slot he is, because I just see him as a 2 down guy in the NFL.

Also there were questions about his knees. He ran a really good 40, but struggled badly in the lateral agility drills at the combine

 

[soxfan121]

National Football Post - Wes Bunting:

A strong, thickly built middle linebacker prospect with a long set of arms, strong hands and muscular looking lower half. Displays natural flexibility and bend when asked to sit into his stance and diagnose the play. Isn't nearly as stiff as his size would indicate. Showcases good foot quickness for his size, natural balance when trying to change directions and can pick his way through the line of scrimmage. Doesn't have a great first step or great range sideline-to-sideline. But keys well, is fast enough and showcases a slight burst when closing into contact. Looks like a 4.8 guy when asked to range off his frame. However, is a good wrap up tackler in space. Uses his long arms well to wrap and has a real snap through the hips into contact.

Is a powerful in the box run defender. Exhibits a burst when asked to close downhill, takes good angles inside and has a jarring pop on contact. Stays down, displays an explosive pop on contact at the point and brings his legs through the play. At times will struggle to find the football on some miss-direction plays and lacks the kind of speed to make up for a slow recognition. Does a great job though extending his arms into contact when asked to keep himself clean and/or play off blocks. Has the power and length to stack on contact with the quickness to shed and wrap on the ball carrier. Exhibits "plus" instincts inside and displays a sixth sense of when he needs to attack downhill and run through/take on a block for a negative play or shed and make the tackle. Is very natural making quick decisions on the fly and creating impact plays.

Showcases natural balance and some surprisingly change of direction skills for his size in zone. Isn't a great self-starter, but feels routes developing around him well, gets early jumps on the action and has closing speed to finish on the play. Isn't a guy who can turn and run with a back down the field on wheel routes, but is natural in the flat, can cleanly re-direct out of his breaks in zone and reacts well to the football. Used a lot as a pass rusher off the edge in nickel situations. Looks natural sitting into his stance and has a good first step. Loves to work the inside move, gain leverage and overpower on contact. Exhibits natural explosion as a bull rush guy and despite lacking ideal know how to shed, he can push the pocket. Demonstrates just enough of a first step to reach the corner, is violent with his hands when working the club/swat to keep himself clean and will try to drop his pad level and dip under blockers, despite being a little tight.

Motor tends to run hot and cold. Is a talented kid who has the skill set to dominate, but too often doesn't seem into the game and will get lazy.

Impression: Looks like a potential impact caliber 34-inside linebacker who has the skill set to win inside vs. the run and create pressure on third down as a savvy rush guy as well.

 

[SoxScout]

The first question he was asked was what Bill Belichick told him about the role he might play with the Patriots.

"Exact same thing that I did at Alabama, which is something I want to do in the role I'm expected to do -- playing inside linebacker in the first two, maybe third down, and getting after the quarterback on third down, which is something I like to do," he said.

http://espn.go.com/b...r-on-espn-radio


http://espn.go.com/espnradio/play?id=7860723

 

[Ed Hillel]

That video worries me. The first 1:20 is filled with hurries, but no actual sacks. Always a second late. I also wonder how many of those hits would be penalties in the NFL, especially the strip-sack against LSU which shows a clear blow to the head that would never go unflagged in the NFL.

Yeah, but he's an ILB...You're not going to get as many sacks from the inside, since the QB is staring straight at you the entire time. Any sort of pressure up the middle from an ILB is fantastic, and that's how he'll be used.

I don't see him at all as a 2-down player. I see him as a fantastic compliment to Spikes, and I see Mayo moving outside, which makes the move even better. He's just a great fit for New England.

 

[chester]

Yeah, but he's an ILB...You're not going to get as many sacks from the inside, since the QB is staring straight at you the entire time. Any sort of pressure up the middle from an ILB is fantastic, and that's how he'll be used.

I don't see him at all as a 2-down player. I see him as a fantastic compliment to Spikes, and I see Mayo moving outside, which makes the move even better. He's just a great fit for New England.

This is a good initial summation of the move so far although I think he will play a lot more than you think. I would tell those upthread that saw the "highlight reel" to watch some other tape such as the game against Arkansas:
where he showed a lot of versatility which will allow him to play a lot and potentially have an immediate impact. And the knock on him not being great in coverage wasn't a huge problem in that game (albeit one game) and he made a few nice instinctual plays on throws in the flat and some other plays which Im sure Bilichick loves, as well as the fact that the guy was a two-time defensive captain and called out a defense that looked as good as any up front in the NCAA these past two years.

 

[Leather]

Can he make siren noises like he did back in the original "police academy"?

 

[Reverend]

Can he make siren noises like he did back in the original "police academy"?

That was Sgt. Jones. I'm never listening to your football analysis again.

But I am totally psyched to root for Hightower on the Pats next year.

 

[Royal Reader]

But I am totally psyched to root for Hightower on the Pats next year.

Another film buff to the Pats. I think being on the same defenses as Rolando McClain then Mark Barron might have caused him to be overshadowed a bit, but I was delighted when he opted to stay in school last time round, and delighted that he's a Patriot now.

 

[pedroia'sboys]

For Phragle/Sox Scout can you highlight the differences between Hightower and Spikes when they were drafted? What's so different about them. Thanks in advance.

 

[doubrontsneighbor]

That was Sgt. Jones. I'm never listening to your football analysis again.

But I am totally psyched to root for Hightower on the Pats next year.

They both play football at least.

 

[ivanvamp]

LOVE the Hightower pick. The guy is a beast. Three-down player, can do it all, really. Explosive athlete, excellent size. Ninkovich, Spikes, Hightower, Mayo - that's a really nice linebacking group.

 

[lostjumper]

Really excited about this pick. I think they will play him inside with Spikes and be the Mike back and move Mayo to the outside. They've played around with it in the past, and now they have a guy good enough to allow Mayo to move. With Hightower and Spikes manning the middle, good luck to running backs. Those guys can really pop guys in the run game.

 

[RedOctober3829]

"I don’t know. I’m versatile and I can play all different kinds of positions, it’s more or less about the scheme and the philosophy, it gets a lot more technical into than what position it is. I’m going to get to the ball and I’m going to make plays at the ball, regardless of whether it’s a 4-3 or 3-4."

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4721138/qa-with-donta-hightower

 

[Salva135]

Kraft welcoming Hightower to the Pats from the war room, some interesting personal words:

http://www.patriots.com/media-center/videos/Patriots-Today---Inside-the-draft-room/65867bae-4241-4969-b617-7d01f4e289e8

 

[ColonelMustard]

Really excited about this pick. I think they will play him inside with Spikes and be the Mike back and move Mayo to the outside. They've played around with it in the past, and now they have a guy good enough to allow Mayo to move. With Hightower and Spikes manning the middle, good luck to running backs. Those guys can really pop guys in the run game.

Very excitd about this pick as well. Do you thick this is a more precusor for playing a base Nickel 3-3-5 to combat the spread offense everyone is playing. Pressure up the middle doesn't let the quarterback step up and good tackling stops screens and delayed handoffs. You can bring in an extra DL on obvious running downs.

Now all we need is a actual strong safety who can come up and play mike, cover the TE, and rush the QB.

 

[Leather]

That was Sgt. Jones. I'm never listening to your football analysis again.

Well then they picked the wrong guy.

 

[Stuffy McInnis]

Kraft welcoming Hightower to the Pats from the war room, some interesting personal words:

http://www.patriots....17-7d01f4e289e8

Here's the quote

Dont'a, Welcome.
It's great to have you as a patriot.
I know you were captain of the team for two years and I've been reading the reports about you, and how respectful you were of your mother.

That really means a lot and says something about the kind of guy you are. I know Coach Sabean praised you.

So, we're excited to have you up here. We don't trade up too often.
I look forward to meeting you and seeing you here.

Anyone know the personal story here, if there is one?

 

[Kenny F'ing Powers]

Very excitd about this pick as well. Do you thick this is a more precusor for playing a base Nickel 3-3-5 to combat the spread offense everyone is playing. Pressure up the middle doesn't let the quarterback step up and good tackling stops screens and delayed handoffs. You can bring in an extra DL on obvious running downs.

Now all we need is a actual strong safety who can come up and play mike, cover the TE, and rush the QB.

No. I'm curious, what about picking a slower ILB who doesn't excel in man coverage screams out to you that they would play a base 3-3-5? If they were to play the 3-3-5, they already have their MLB (Spikes) to play the run stuffer in the middle. After that, Nink/Mayo would play outside. Playing the 3-3-5 would actually leave Hightower out.

Also, "obvious running downs" don't exist in the NFL. There are "obvious passing downs" like 3rd & 9, but the closest you'll get to an "obvious running down" is a 3rd and inches and for that, you'll be seeing the box jammed like a goal line D anyway...

 

[CyYoungSchilling]

Not Phragle or SoxScout but the most obvious difference is that Hightower is a different caliber athlete than Spikes. Despite weighing 15 pounds more than Spikes did, Hightower ran a 4.68 40 time compared to Spikes' 5.05 40 time. He's a little more versatile as well with the ability to play both inside or outside and some decent pass rushing ability, at least as a 4-3 SLB; questionable whether he has the skills to play outside in the 3-4. He might be able to do it but he's definitely more of a natural fit inside in the 3-4.

I think we'll see a lot of 4-3 looks this year with Ninkovich seeing more time at DE and Hightower taking over his spot as SLB next to Spikes and Mayo.

 

[pedroia'sboys]

Not Phragle or SoxScout but the most obvious difference is that Hightower is a different caliber athlete than Spikes. Despite weighing 15 pounds more than Spikes did, Hightower ran a 4.68 40 time compared to Spikes' 5.05 40 time. He's a little more versatile as well with the ability to play both inside or outside and some decent pass rushing ability, at least as a 4-3 SLB; questionable whether he has the skills to play outside in the 3-4. He might be able to do it but he's definitely more of a natural fit inside in the 3-4.

I think we'll see a lot of 4-3 looks this year with Ninkovich seeing more time at DE and Hightower taking over his spot as SLB next to Spikes and Mayo.

Thanks. Love how in both threads people are panicking over speed and quickness of our first two picks. Patriots are drafting football players not track stars. Spikes ran slower than most DT, yet he was the biggest playmaker on the defense at the end of the year.

 

[lostjumper]

Apparently the Ravens are absolutely distraught that the Pats hopped in front of them to grab Hightower. Don't have a link, but rumors on other messageboards(take it for whatever its worth) is that Hightower was the man they focused on all draft and were going to groom him to replace Ray Lewis. Never ever thought the Pats would jump up a 2nd time in the first round to grab their guy. This coming 2 years after the Pats traded up in front of them to pick Gronk. I know love Hightower even more.
A couple of random tweets.

Torrey Smith ‏ @TorreySmithWR
I knew we were gonna trade out of the second round....I thought we were gonna get that backer from bama..as soon as he got picked trade haha

and

Greg A. Bedard ‏ @GregABedard
Heard from a few NFL sources that aren't thrilled the Steelers passed on Hightower and let him get to the Patriots.

I'm not sure what this means, but if other teams are bummed that we got a certain player I'm happy!

 

[Groovenstein]

That kind of thing is really interesting to me. I assume there's a bunch of misinformation flying around, so how does Belichick or anyone else figure out what's legit and who is going to pick who with such specificity? I remember hearing something similar last year about how the Giants were high on Solder.

 

[( . ) ( . ) and (_!_)]

That kind of thing is really interesting to me. I assume there's a bunch of misinformation flying around, so how does Belichick or anyone else figure out what's legit and who is going to pick who with such specificity? I remember hearing something similar last year about how the Giants were high on Solder.

(ignore if you are not a Game of Thrones fan)

 

[DJnVa]

Greg A. Bedard ‏ @GregABedard
Heard from a few NFL sources that aren't thrilled the Steelers passed on Hightower and let him get to the Patriots.

So, these NFL sources would be okay if the Steelers drafted him?

 

[ShaneTrot]

I like this pick a lot. A very productive football player from a big time program that played in lots of big games. He's just like Spikes with better measurables. Very physical player, who hits guys hard.

 

[triniSox]

That kind of thing is really interesting to me. I assume there's a bunch of misinformation flying around, so how does Belichick or anyone else figure out what's legit and who is going to pick who with such specificity? I remember hearing something similar last year about how the Giants were high on Solder.

I assume being around the league as long as Belichick, he's got a pretty good feel for the rest of the league personnel. Greg Bedard (I think) also mentioned that BB has an excellent understanding of other team's drafting philosophies, needs and desperation level. That probably helps figure out which is misdirection and which is real.

 

[GLOSS]

Well then they picked the wrong guy.

No they didn't, they just picked him a few spots before. BEST OF BOTH WORLDS!

 

[Mugsy's Jock]

Okay, it's only tangentially related to Dont'a Hightower, but this is a dumb question that didn't merit its own thread...

Tim Hightower's Wikipedia page says he's a member of the New England Patriots. Did I miss that signing, or did some dope just see Dont'a's signing and updated Tim's page?

 

[Oogies Loogies]

Andy Gresh just called Hightower a "Dwight Freeney type."

Huh? Am I missing something (certainly not that Gresh is a blowhard)? Does anybody else see this guy as a dominant or even above average pass rusher coming out of a three-point stance?

 

[lostjumper]

Andy Gresh just called Hightower a "Dwight Freeney type."

Huh? Am I missing something (certainly not that Gresh is a blowhard)? Does anybody else see this guy as a dominant or even above average pass rusher coming out of a three-point stance?

He meant to say Chandler Jones. He was talking about him when he slipped up an said Hightower. I've heard others mention this as well, and I think its simply because they are similar size who excel at rushing the passer(or in Jones case is projected to). I really don't see that Pat's using Jones like the Colts use Freeney.

 

[RedOctober3829]

He meant to say Chandler Jones. He was talking about him when he slipped up an said Hightower. I've heard others mention this as well, and I think its simply because they are similar size who excel at rushing the passer(or in Jones case is projected to). I really don't see that Pat's using Jones like the Colts use Freeney.

I really think the only reason he compared Jones to Freeney is because they both went to the same school. I don't see anything out of Jones that remotely reminds me of Dwight Freeney.

 

[lostjumper]

So, these NFL sources would be okay if the Steelers drafted him?

I took the quote to mean these NFL sources think Hightower will be really good and didn't want to see him go to the Patriots.

 

[lostjumper]

I really think the only reason he compared Jones to Freeney is because they both went to the same school. I don't see anything out of Jones that remotely reminds me of Dwight Freeney.

Well, they're both black and from the same school so thats ironic. /borges

 

[TheRooster]

FWIW Breer (on the Hub this AM) saw almost no chance of Hightower playing outside, but did concede that Mayo might spend more time at OLB.

 

[mabrowndog]

 

[DJnVa]

I took the quote to mean these NFL sources think Hightower will be really good and didn't want to see him go to the Patriots.

Well, I get this. What I don't get is why they would then prefer a really good player on the Steelers-since they were upset the Steelers passed on him. Not a big deal obviously, just wondering.

 

[Oogies Loogies]

He meant to say Chandler Jones. He was talking about him when he slipped up an said Hightower. I've heard others mention this as well, and I think its simply because they are similar size who excel at rushing the passer(or in Jones case is projected to). I really don't see that Pat's using Jones like the Colts use Freeney.

I really thought he was comparing Hightower to Freeney because he said they are comparable in body, which they are. Freeney is 6-1, 268, Hightower 6-2, 265.

Regardless, I love the pick. With Vince tying up the middle, I think he'll eat up running backs inside, and I think he'll make more tackles behind the line of scrimmage than Mayo does.And I'm drooling over the prospect of him shooting the gap in the pass rush. Between him and Spikes, teams will have no choice but to keep at least one running back in pass protection.

 

[DJnVa]

Okay, it's only tangentially related to Dont'a Hightower, but this is a dumb question that didn't merit its own thread...

Tim Hightower's Wikipedia page says he's a member of the New England Patriots. Did I miss that signing, or did some dope just see Dont'a's signing and updated Tim's page?

He visited NE. He hasn't signed anywhere that I can see.

 

[Salva135]

Apparently the Ravens are absolutely distraught that the Pats hopped in front of them to grab Hightower. Don't have a link, but rumors on other messageboards(take it for whatever its worth) is that Hightower was the man they focused on all draft and were going to groom him to replace Ray Lewis. Never ever thought the Pats would jump up a 2nd time in the first round to grab their guy. This coming 2 years after the Pats traded up in front of them to pick Gronk. I know love Hightower even more.
A couple of random tweets.



and


I'm not sure what this means, but if other teams are bummed that we got a certain player I'm happy!

Maybe Ozzie Newsome?

 

[lostjumper]

I really thought he was comparing Hightower to Freeney because he said they are comparable in body, which they are. Freeney is 6-1, 268, Hightower 6-2, 265.

Regardless, I love the pick. With Vince tying up the middle, I think he'll eat up running backs inside, and I think he'll make more tackles behind the line of scrimmage than Mayo does.And I'm drooling over the prospect of him shooting the gap in the pass rush. Between him and Spikes, teams will have no choice but to keep at least one running back in pass protection.

Hmm, perhaps you are right. I was listening but thought he simply mis-spoke and meant Jones. From what I've heard, Jones projects much more to be like Freeney than Hightower ever would. If Gresh was comparing Freeney to Hightower simply because they are the same size that's kinda odd.

 

[Ferm Sheller]

Well, I get this. What I don't get is why they would then prefer a really good player on the Steelers-since they were upset the Steelers passed on him. Not a big deal obviously, just wondering.

The sources must be individuals who, presented with two undesirable options, Hightower to the Steelers or Pats, would prefer the former. The sources therefore likely are affiliated with the Jets, Fins, Bills or any team that feels that the Pats are a bigger threat to their interests than are the Steelers.

 

[Cornboy14]

Here's a comparison:

Adalius Thomas

Not comparing their work ethic/attitude, but in the way that BelIchick hoped to use him. Oversized LB (they're extremely similarly sized), plus athleticism, capable of use all over the front. I think Thomas might be a bit more athletic, but I see a lot of similarities.

 

[Lack_of_Imagination]

"Motor tends to run hot and cold. Is a talented kid who has the skill set to dominate, but too often doesn't seem into the game and will get lazy. "

Ive seen this in a few scouting reports including the National Football Post posted above. Anyone have any insights to this statement? That’s one thing obviously that I don’t want to see and seems inconsistent with Team Captain.

 

[BigMike]

I took the quote to mean these NFL sources think Hightower will be really good and didn't want to see him go to the Patriots.

So I assume these NFL sources were in either the Jets, Bills or maybe Dolphins front office (and I am thinking Jets since it sounds very Jettish, and rumors were the Jets were very high on Hightower), because unless it was from an AFC East Front office then why would they really care if Pitt or NE got him, either way it would be one of the elite teams getting this player they didn't want to go to an elite team.

It was a no brainer pick for Pittsburgh to pass on Hightower for DeCastro. The Steelers need was much greater at OG, and DeCasto was almost universally though to be the better prospect

Honestly Hightower probabaly has more value for the Pats than the Steelers. His 3rd down rush end ability is minimized in Pittsburgh where using Hightower would be at most a backup in that role (no way he relaces either Woodley or Harrison as an edge rusher)