Hightower has lined up all over the field during my days here at training camp – playing inside and outside in both odd and even fronts. I often remarked in the pre-draft process that Hightower was a good pass-rusher, in addition to his linebacking skills. However, Hightower didn’t feel that was where he was best used. He remarked that he wants to be “inside with the guards, tackles and fullbacks.”
Whether Hightower – along with fellow versatile linebackers Brandon Spikes, Jerod Mayo and Jamie Collins – plays inside or outside, his versatility allows the Patriots to come up with a different gameplan each and every week. That unpredictability keeps opposing offenses guessing.
Hightower’s ability to learn such a complex defense and play multiple positions is a credit to his strong football IQ and the help of some veterans on the team – especially Jerod Mayo.
“Mayo has been in this defense for a while now. He knows every position, not just the linebackers and the defensive line. He knows what the cornerbacks and the safeties have to do. Having him in the linebacker room and as a close friend, it feels good to have that guy in your back pocket.”
Hightower feels good enough about his own grasp of the playbook that he is starting to mentor Collins along as well.
Today, Hightower looked at home in the goal line drills, making some big hits and showcasing his explosive, violent downhill nature.
With Brandon Spikes, another player that is asked to do a lot in the defense, in his contract year, a young linebacker like Hightower might be even more important in the future.
Expect Hightower to improve on his rookie season where he chalked up four sacks and 60 tackles.
