Dont'a Hightower has, as expected, waited until after the BCS National Championship game to make a decision about his future, but he will be a highly rated prospect if he decides to enter the NFL Draft. The Alabama Crimson Tide middle linebacker has cut his teeth in Nick Saban's pro-style defense with some fantastic personnel around him, and there's little doubt that someone will find a place for him in the first round if the junior decides to declare following the title game.
Dont’a Hightower, NFL Draft 2012: Alabama Junior Is A First Round Talent
Dont’a Hightower hasn’t declared yet whether or not he’ll enter the NFL Draft, but he’ll be one of the top-rated middle linebackers if he does.
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SB Nation’s NFL Draft blog Mocking The Draft likes Hightower to make an early contribution in his NFL career.
Coming from Nick Saban’s pro-style 3-4, Dont’a Hightower is the kind of linebacker that should be able to make a contribution early in his career. He’s a classic downhill power middle linebacker that can be a force against the run ... Hightower plays with a lot of strength and can hold his area or push the pocket. He’s also shown he can get into the backfield to get after the quarterback.
Though they’re positive on his skills, Hightower is only 22nd on Mocking The Draft’s board because of his lack of lateral quickness. He’ll be a productive NFL player, but his lack of lateral quickness could possibly prevent him from being elite.
For more on the NFL Draft in general, Mocking the Draft has you covered and for all of your football needs, be sure to visit SB Nation’s NFL hub.
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