Bumping this based on some discussions in the injury thread. Some reactions when he was drafted that I thought worth highlighting based on his career to date:
There were a lot of people happy with the pick ... but there was definite question about Hightower's speed and coverage ability.
BigMike said: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.
soxfan121 said:National Football Post - Wes Bunting:
"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."
Kenny F'ing Powers said: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.
pedroia'sboys said: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.
RedOctober3829 said:I think he's pretty limited in coverage skills. He ran a 4.68 40 at the combine, but I think he plays slower than that. I don't think he can cover TEs well let alone RBs and slot guys. If he had to play outside in a 3-4(which I don't think will happen all that often but it will happen) I think he needs to be kept to the weak side and bracket a safety to that side of the field. He's going to be a real good run stuffer, but he's more Brandon Spikes than Jerod Mayo in terms of speed.
There were a lot of people happy with the pick ... but there was definite question about Hightower's speed and coverage ability.