So is Dont'a Hightower getting reps as an 'edge rusher' in nickel?

[Shockt327]

I can't help but ask for a couple of reason...

First, I've seen plenty of YouTube cut ups of Alabama's D; where Hightower did indeed move into the strong side DE role when they went into Nickel. He looked good. Especially with Upshaw on the other end. I was hoping Jones and Hightower could create a similar dynamic in NE...

Second, because I really can't help but be concerned about that LDE position in Nickel (as well as base). We just never found a true starter, IMO. We tried putting Deaderick out there at times. I know Nink got a ton of reps at Nickel. Anderson did too, mostly later in the year. But it just seems like we never found our guy. I know Fanene can be used there, too. But I see him as being a DT really. They'd still need to rotate, either way. So, just curious. Haven't really heard anything about Hightower taking reps in that role, or if he has, specifically how he did....

 

[patchick]

I can't help but ask for a couple of reason...

First, I've seen plenty of YouTube cut ups of Alabama's D; where Hightower did indeed move into the strong side DE role when they went into Nickel. He looked good. Especially with Upshaw on the other end. I was hoping Jones and Hightower could create a similar dynamic in NE...

Second, because I really can't help but be concerned about that RDE position in Nickel (as well as base).

Psst...see the thread discussing Bedard's claim that Chandler Jones is the RDE:
http://www.patsfans.com/new-england...d-chandler-jones-ready-full-time-starter.html

 

[mayoclinic]

Psst...see the thread discussing Bedard's claim that Chandler Jones is the RDE:
http://www.patsfans.com/new-england...d-chandler-jones-ready-full-time-starter.html

Also, didn't Deaderick mainly play LDE last year, not RDE? Carter played mostly RDE, with Anderson at LDE in pass rushing situations, until Carter got hurt and Anderson moved to RDE.

If Jones can indeed lock up the RDE position as Bedard suggests, that would leave Fanene/Deaderick able to split time between LDE and pass rushing DT duties, with RDE in pass rushing situations being covered by Bequette, Scott, o by Hightower or Ninko moving up from a LB position.

 

[Sciz]

I wouldn't expect it. They actually have a pretty good looking group of edge rushers now. I'm more interested in if he can beat out Carpenter and Fletcher for the subpackage LB job next to Mayo.

 

[Shockt327]

Psst...see the thread discussing Bedard's claim that Chandler Jones is the RDE:
http://www.patsfans.com/new-england...d-chandler-jones-ready-full-time-starter.html

Oh, that just a typo on my part (RDE when I meant LDE).

Like I said; I'm hoping we see both Jones and Hightower coming off the edge in Nickel....

 

[mayoclinic]

Alen Dumonjic (who has provided analysis for Greg Bedard, among others) had an interesting read on Hightower this week:

Hightower's likely to get a lot of snaps between strong and weak-side linebacker, especially the former because he would be a great asset when the team plays their 'Under' front. An 'Under' front is when the defensive tackle ('three-technique') covers up the weak-side guard and the strong-side linebacker, which would be Hightower, is on the line of scrimmage.

This is a very interesting alignment for the Patriots because Hightower can disrupt the timing of the tight end coming off the line of scrimmage by jamming and rerouting him, which is ideal because of his strength, prior to blitzing after the quarterback. Furthermore, when New England goes to their sub-package along with a four-man front, Hightower's likely to slide down to defensive end and look to get after the quarterback. His ability to do this is interesting because he can also execute drops in coverage from this alignment when the Patriots go to their zone blitzes. He can also force offensive lineman question their blocking assignments by easily going from a three- to two-point stance.

Hightower's versatility was likely the selling point for Bill Belichick when it came to the debate over selecting him in the first round. Belichick emphasis versatility in order to save roster spots to utilize on other crucial positions, which is why Hightower makes so much sense in New England.

The biggest question with Hightower will be is how long it takes him to learn the defense and his various assignments.Based off of what I was told by a source that was at the University of Alabama yesterday, the coaches at Alabama were told that Hightower has impressed the Patriots coaches with his knowledge, maturity and overall character on and off the field, which suggests his concentration on football could lead to him picking the playbook up quicker.

What Does Dont'a Hightower's Versatility Bring to the Patriots' Defense? | Bleacher Report

FWIW, Dumonjic had an interesting article on the Tavon Wilson pick over 2 months ago, which was a really nice piece of analysis:

Patriots' Rookie Tavon Wilson: Breaking Down the Enigma of the 48th Pick | Bleacher Report

From all the training camp reports so far, Dumonjic's analysis of why the Wilson pick made sense was spot on. It will be interesting to see how his analysis of Hightower plays out.

 

[Shockt327]

Yeah, I like the article. That perfectly describes the role that I want to see him in...

...but the author is just speculating. We really haven't had any reports of Hightower taking reps in this role (have we?). Have we heard anything about Hightower taking reps in pass rushing drills?

 

[BananaRepublican]

This is a very interesting alignment for the Patriots because Hightower can disrupt the timing of the tight end coming off the line of scrimmage by jamming and rerouting him, which is ideal because of his strength ....

This was BADLY needed against Heath Miller last year. Not having a guy like Hightower cost them the game.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

No he was not getting those reps Friday

 

[Shockt327]

No he was not getting those reps Friday

Yeah, I thought not. I was there on Wednesday and I didn't see it either.

 

[RobertWeathers]

FWIW, Dumonjic had an interesting article on the Tavon Wilson pick over 2 months ago, which was a really nice piece of analysis:

Patriots' Rookie Tavon Wilson: Breaking Down the Enigma of the 48th Pick | Bleacher Report

From all the training camp reports so far, Dumonjic's analysis of why the Wilson pick made sense was spot on. It will be interesting to see how his analysis of Hightower plays out.

Excellent article on Wilson. We'll see how the kid develops. Thanks for sharing.