Dont'a Hightower wants to rush the passer more

Hightower showed promise as a pass rusher at Alabama

Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower is in Foxborough for the team's offseason workout program, and he talked to the press there earlier today. He wasn't shy about the role he would like to play on passing downs this year.

"Most definitely. Third down, obviously, I'll just put it out there, I would much rather rush or blitz than to cover -- zone, man or whatever"

"Third down is a fun down whether you're covering or whatever you're doing, because you can do different kinds of things and come at the quarterback all kinds of different ways. So as long as I'm able to be on the field on third down, or whatever they ask me to do, I'm more than willing to do it."

The massive (270 lb) Hightower looked miscast last season in coverage, and was often found trailing behind quicker running backs and tight ends. Unfortunately, the Patriots had their hands tied personnel-wise; Jerod Mayo was lost for the season, Jamie Collins wasn't ready yet, and Hightower was still a better option in coverage than Brandon Spikes.

However, he's always looked better as a downhill player, where he can use his physicality to his advantage, and he has prior experience as a pass rusher from his days at Alabama. With the Crimson Tide, Hightower often shifted to the defensive line as a pass rusher on third downs, and he was also utilized as a blitzer. He hasn't gotten much of a chance to do so yet, but said he might ask for the chance this year.

"That might be the case this year, but we have a lot of talented guys out there. That's up to the coaching staff, where they want to move people around and the scheme they might have or whatever. Again, if that's what they want me to do, or they ask me if I want to do it, of course. But it will definitely be a Bill Belichick thing.”

The late season emergence of Collins and the return of Mayo should give a boost to the Pats nickel coverage. The Patriots will also likely add a linebacker or two on draft day, and could be looking to add another nickel option. Doing so would give them the personnel flexibility they need, freeing up Hightower (and Collins to some degree) to bring the heat more often. At least Hightower hopes so.

“I feel like it’s going to be a lot of fun this year, how things play out.”

For a look at the Patriots draft options at linebacker:

Patriots Draft Needs: Positional review- Linebacker

For a reminder of Hightower's upside:

Video: Dont'a Hightower highlights