Dont'a Hightower Scouting Report

A redshirt junior, Hightower is in his fourth season at Alabama during what has already been an interesting career. As a freshman, he was as highly-touted as fellow Crimson Tide linebacker Rolando McClain (who was taken eighth overall in the 2010 NFL Draft). Midway through the 2009 campaign, however, Hightower tore the ACL in his left knee and got a medical redshirt. Of course, the redshirt is likely inconsequential since the linebacker will almost certainly bolt for the next level after this year.

Hightower bounced back nicely in 2010, leading the team with 69 tackles and being named to the All-SEC Second Team by both the Associated Press and the coaches. So far this season, on an absolutely dominant Alabama defense, Hightower leads the way with 48 total tackles (six for loss) in addition to one interception and six quarterback hurries.

Hightower has a great combination of size and speed at 6'4'', 260 pounds. He has been clocked as fast as 4.67 in the 40-yard dash, a number he should be able to improve upon at the combine and enhance his draft stock. When he is at 100 percent, there is no denying that Hightower is a first-round talent. He can play rush linebacker in a 3-4 scheme in the NFL while also having the ability to play inside. Look for him to go off the board in the mid or late first round.