Dont’a Hightower: 5 reasons re-signing is great for Patriots

3. Versatility

The Patriots demand their linebackers to be versatile playmakers. They don’t just want guys who can stop the run, they want guys who are complete players in every aspect of the game. Dont’a Hightower gets accolades for stopping the run, but he’s a complete player who can do a lot of things.

Perhaps no play sums up what he can do than his now infamous sack of Matt Ryan in the Super Bowl. That was the tide turning play when everyone watching knew the Patriots were going to win. Hightower is a part of so many huge plays. Even if he’s not directly involved like in the sack of Ryan, he’s doing something important. Hightower might be locking down a tight end or forcing the quarterback to make a hasty throw. But if you go back and watch New England’s big plays on defense, he’s a part of them, even if it’s a small part.

Hightower brings so much to the table for the Patriots. He makes them a much better team. An interesting stat regarding this shows Dont’a Hightower might be underrated, which is pretty darn remarkably considering how good he is.

He might rarely get sacks, but he’s always making an impact. Hightower draws attention and pressures blockers.