As New England Patriots mandatory minicamp gets underway, a key defensive player is getting back into the fold: linebacker Dont’a Hightower. Hightower, who opted out of 2020 and skipped voluntary OTAs, is beginning to work his way back. With the Patriots revamping their defense over the course of the offseason, Hightower still figures to be a major part of what New England wants to do.
As a veteran on a new-look defensive unit, Hightower should still be the leader of the linebacking unit. Right now however, he is just focused on contributing in any way he can. Recording 77 tackles and 5.5 sacks in 2019, he could have a good chance to surpass those numbers this fall.
Head coach Bill Belichick told the media on Monday that Hightower is getting up to speed very quickly.
Bill Belichick on Dont'a Hightower: "He's worked right in very quickly. Obviously a smart player with a lot of experience. A lot of leadership for us on the team. But again, we're not really in an evaluation mode; we'll see how that goes for everybody when we get to that point."
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) June 14, 2021
With the Patriots looking to reestablish themselves atop the AFC East, Hightower could be a key piece on a balanced defense.
