I really believe Hightower is over-drafted. He's got size and his speed is deceptively okay at 4.6. But he is as stiff as a board, not effective in coverage and doesn't move through the linesmen with much agility at all.
There's a tough reality that is starting to dawn for me, regarding all the Alabama defensive players. They got a lot of national media attention, and the were a GREAT team defense. Saban at his finest. But taken individually, the key Bama defenders are just not all that great as individual prospects.
Dre was once neck and neck with Claiborne from LSU, but has slipped due to off-field stuff. Upshaw looked terrible at the combine, and is dropping like a rock. Barron, who I really like, is slipping down boards too, mostly because of medical. And Hightower, who I think benefitted most from having all those potential first rounders around him to hide the fact that he doesn't really navigate space all that well. He's not a first round talent in my book, at all.
I want Saban's kids to do well in the NFL, but I have that sinking feeling that they all outplayed their actual talent, and are likely to disappoint as pros.
