Dont’a Hightower played inside linebacker on the defending national champion Alabama Crimson Tide defense. Hightower is 6’2 ¼”, 265 lbs. with 4.64 speed.
Nolan Nawrocki of PFW said, “His size and take-on strength really stand out. Nobody takes on blocks quite the same way as Hightower.
According to PFW, Hightower’s positives include that he is a physical tone-setter, hammers lead blockers, stuffs the run and could be a capable outside linebacker.
“If I needed an outside linebacker, I’d be looking at him,” Nawrocki said. “That is the beauty of Dont’a Hightower—he is very versatile.”
On the downside, Hightower’s knee injury took over a year recovery. This feeds into durability concerns as a drawback. Other downside concerns include limited burst, limited cover skills and average coverage instincts.