Name: Dont'a Hightower
Position: Linebacker
School: Alabama
Selected: Round 1, Pick 25
Height: 6 - 2
Weight: 265
Strengths:
- Smart, instinctive, versatile and rarely comes off the field. His football IQ is off the charts.
- Great tackler and a force at the point of attack. Very physical.
- Experienced in a pro defense and a consistent playmaker.
- Fast for his size and can get after opposing QBs.
- Strong technique and does a great job shedding opposing players.
- Knows his role and assignment and diagnoses the play very quickly.
Weaknesses:
- Durability concerns. A season-ending knee injury cost Hightower the majority of the 2009 campaign.
- Does not cover a large amount of field
Analysis:
Throughout his career at Alabama, Dont'a Hightower has shown he can play in the NFL. He is a tough, physical, in-the-box defender that can break down plays in a hurry. While being very strong against the run, he also showed he could make plays defending the pass. Hightower has a unique blend of size and speed (ran a 4.62 40 yard dash at the Combine).
Hightower does a tremendous job shedding blocks, fighting through the trash and locating the ball carrier. The massive linebacker is a rare specimen who has the quickness and agility to be able to play in space. In the end, I am not surprised Belichick selected the Alabama captain, it seems like he was meant to be a Patriot.
Do you have a Twitter account? Be sure to follow me: @PatriotsHaven!
More News Headlines:
Vrabel on Stefon Diggs: ‘I would never say no’ to a Patriots return
By: Ian LogueVrabel addresses the possibility of Stefon Diggs rejoining the Patriots, stating he'd 'never say no' despite a full wide receiver room.
TRANSCRIPT: Mike Vrabel Press Conference 6/10
By: Ian LogueHere's the full transcript of what New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel had to say during his press conference on Wednesday, June 10th, 2026.
Vrabel Details Drake Maye’s Critical Growth Areas for Year Three
By: Ian LogueHead coach Mike Vrabel offered an encouraging assessment of quarterback Drake Maye's development, highlighting significant growth in his ability to limit mistakes at the line…
MORSE: Day One of Patriots Mini-Camp and Morse’s Morsels
By: Mark MorsePatriots Mini-Camp Day 1: Drake Maye impressed, Gabe Jacas missed due to injury, and Christian Gonzalez had a 'hold-in.' Boutte's trade rumors noted.
Vrabel on Patriots Rookie Jacas: ‘He had a procedure, and he’s not under contract’
By: Ian LogueVrabel discusses Patriots rookie Gabe Jacas's absence, citing a procedure and his unsigned contract. The second-round pick's delayed start raises questions.