Patriots Select Alabama LB Donta Hightower (Rd.1, No.25)

With the 25th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select Dont'a Hightower, ILB (Alabama). Alabama has developed some impressive inside linebackers in the past couple years, and Hightower is a shining example of the type of NFL-ready players in the stable that allows the Crimson Tide to be so successful at the collegiate level. Hightower has looked the part of a starting middle linebacker in the NFL for two years. If he can keep his weight steady and not lose any speed, Hightower can do many of the same things that Oakland's Rolando McClain or New England's Brandon Spikes did working as the physical inside presence of a defense. Hightower could be a better fit within a 3-4 scheme, as he has the size to shed big offensive linemen who would work free to block him in the run game.

Source: NFL.com

 

Mayo,Hightower,Spikes,and Jones

 

like this pick. good value.

 

this draft has been awesome so far

 

This has a chance to be a very good LB corp. I hope they can all play up to their potential.

 

Dayum.

 

is a DE if they choose to run a 3-4

 

I was praying that the Giants were going to trade up to get him earlier in the first round. He would've helped to solidify our LB group.

 

I think the Ravens had their hearts set on him and if he was gone, they were bailing on round one...whether Pittsburgh or someone else take him.

Pats pretty much screwed them IMO.