High praise for Dont'a Hightower and Bobby Carpenter

ESPNBoston.com

Hightower an "excellent student." Linebackers coach Pepper Johnson had high marks for rookie Dont'a Hightower. "Excellent student. This is a big compliment for (Alabama coach) Nick Saban, but I know what type of teacher he is, because being under him myself, he groomed a young man very well. He's a guy that football means something to him. He wants to learn. He's not only just listening but he's asking questions. He's making things are sure before he goes out and demonstrates on the field," Johnson said.

Carpenter a "workaholic." Johnson called free-agent acquisition Bobby Carpenter a "workaholic," adding "he's constantly going. You have to slow him down on the field. I don't want to slow him down, but he goes constantly. He's going to be a plus for us, and he already has been a plus."

You might remember Bobby Carpenter as the guy on the Lions that intercepted Tony Romo and returned it for a touchdown in an October game. I think he's got a great shot to make and help this team.

We all knew about Hightower's greatness and it's good to see that he's impressing his coaches.

Do you think the Patriots defense will be top 10 in the league this year?