Overall
Big, physical linebackers like Dont'a Hightower don't come along very often anymore. In a new era of football where it seems so many college Linebackers are fast but undersized, Hightower is a monster out there at 6-4 260, and is about as strong and physical as they come. He is a highly intimidating force on the field, as he quickly gets flowing downhill to the ball, always looking to destroy whoever has the football. Hightower will be a tackling machine in the N.F.L, as he has phenomenal instincts, gets off blocks easily, has a great motor, and rarely, if ever misses a tackle. He also is very versatile, as Alabama often shifted him outside on pass rushing downs, where he was very effective attacking the backfield. Hightower, though, does not come without cause for concern. Maybe the biggest red-flag is for his knee injury. In 2009 he tore his A.C.L, then in his return last year, he did not look like the same player at all, as the injury obviously sapped some of his athleticism. This year however, in Alabama's Championship run, Hightower looked terrific, his injury seemed to be a thing of the past, and he looked much like the player he was before the injury. But it is obviously still a concern going forward. Hightower is a dominant run stuffer, but is not the greatest in coverage. He shows stiff hips, and I have questions about his coverage abilities in man, and zone coverage. If drafted to a 3-4 team, which he definitely should be, with his strengths will be maximized, and his weaknesses masked, I have no doubts Hightower will be a guy who will rack up 100+ tackles a season on a regular basis.
