Dont’a Hightower is certainly catching a lot of flack this week after getting yanked against the Broncos. Some have even gone so far as to call him a bust, but I think it’s a little early to give up on Hightower.
First, he’s really playing out of position as a weak-side or nickel linebacker. Ideally he’s a strong-side or middle linebacker.
He certainly looked flat against the Broncos and I’m excited about Dane Fletcher (more on that on Friday) and think that there’s even a world where Hightower goes back to Strongside linebacker and Fletcher slips into the Will spot.
That might bring Hightower back around. His biggest strength is his strength playing close to the line of scrimmage, using his size and quickness to defeat offensive lineman.
Running in space trying to cover the deep middle of the field in Tampa 2 coverage? Not his thing.
The bigger question is whether or not the Pats would feel confident letting Spikes go and moving Hightower to MLB full time next year. I wouldn’t feel great about it. Spikes is an impact player in the run game and those are rare. And is Hightower really much better than Spikes in coverage?
Spikes might never be an every-down player, but he can be and do fine if needed to. He is an elite run-stopper and when you have elite players on your roster you should keep them.
As for Fletcher, I have a big article for B/R on Fletcher coming Friday. I’ve long been a fan of his and every time he gets a chance he seems to make plays. I think he deserves a shot at a role in the base defense.
