No doubt that versatility is a much desired trait, but it just seems odd to me to draft a guy as early as the 16th pick overall, whose majority of his experience has been a Mike backer. While I don't doubt that hes capable of playing outside or Jack, it just seems more logical to grab a guy whose experience is primarily in those areas. Where as Hightower's greatest strength, is an area where we already have an incredibly talented young healthy guy
He spent his 1st two years as a WILL, then his last two as a MIKE. He missed most of his 2nd year as a WILL, but he still only knew that position. I think you are overrating the difference between the positions. While there are differences, Hightower is a very physical LB who has had experience as a WILL to Rolando McClain's MIKE. Bama is moving his WILL this past year, Nico Johnson, to MIKE. Apparently it's not that much of a change when Saban does it every time a MIKE leaves.
Yep. Would be very nice to get a guy that you can move around where you want. A guy like that can add like a million permutations to your defensive looks. I'd just like to see us trade back at least a couple picks if we're going to go his way though. Picking up a 2nd or 3rd along with Hightower would be a very nice proposition from where I'm sitting. I can foresee some even nicer propositions coming to fruition though. It's looking more and more inevitable that at least one guy that would be a total beast is going to fall to us. T-Rich or DeCastro, outside shot at Ingram or someone else that is awesome and never getting past 15 on current mocks. If teams draft well or at least don't leave us someone in a position we could really upgrade Hightower's start to look pretty nice.
What you like about what Hightower could bring to this defense is not only versatility but also athleticism. He moves pretty well side line to sideline and has the hips to stick in coverage. This defense is desperate for an athlete to add to the front 7 to offset some of the thumpers w/ average speed. He's also supposively a great leader w/ top notch intangibles.
Sorry I didn't respond sooner. Hightower is the most versatile LB that currently has a 1st Rd grade. Rex has an excellent pulse on Bama players and I believe Dont'a has to be on his short list. I expect Hightower making a visit to Floram Park next month. I really like Hillman's running style. You asked who I compare him to, my favorite NFL player of all tme, Barry Sanders. Now, Hillman isn't going to be a Hall of Famer or as productive as a player. But I do see a similar size/style to both players. Hillman can stop on a dime and move laterally similar to Barry. Hillman is closer to 200 LBs and needs to get stronger to survive in the NFL. Ford isn't a blocker and not a physical player. Can be a underrated receiving option, he has playmaking ability.
