For years, Dont’a Hightower was the gold standard of linebacker play in New England and the epitome of what former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was looking for in a defender. A first-round draft pick in 2012, he developed into a cornerstone for the team due to his leadership, communication skills, positional versatility and athleticism.
The days of Hightower and Belichick are long gone. And yet, new head coach Mike Vrabel might be in a position to add his own version of the three-team Super Bowl winner in this year’s draft. His name is Jalon Walker.