New England Patriots: Dont’a Hightower key to best defense in NFL

In predicting each of the NFL’s 32 team’s MVP in 2021, NFL writer Dan Hanzus highlighted New England Patriots veteran linebacker Dont’a Hightower as a key component to Bill Belichick’s defense rising to superiority again.

After missing the entire 2020 NFL season due to an opt out, the Pro Bowl linebacker’s return sparks excitement due to what he brings to the table as the anchor of the Patriots’ defense, especially coming off a season in which they were completely ratchet against the run.

Hightower, despite some questions on whether he would actually wear a Patriots’ uniform in 2021, will give the Patriots defense a real boost in what he adds in terms of physicality and leadership with some of the younger players. But the one key ingredient he brings to the table is dependability, which is why Hanzus predicted Hightower as the team’s MVP.

Per NFL.com, Hanzus writes:

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"“The Pats overhauled their front seven this offseason, and having Hightower holding it together in the center of everything will be a huge help to the Belichicks. If New England stays healthy, it could field the best defense in football. Hightower is a major reason why. He’s a one-of-one kind of guy for the Pats.”"

That overhaul includes the addition of pass rusher Matt Judon and defensive linemen Henry Anderson and Davon Godchaux and the return of Kyle Van Noy. Along with young additions like rookies Christian Barmore and Ronnie Perkins, the New England Patriots also have second- and third-year players like Chase Winovich, Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings looking to increase their roles on defense.

New England Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower bring more than intangibles to the table

Hightower, along with Van Noy and veteran defensive end Lawrence Guy provide that leadership and experience both on and off the field. But it is the championship pedigree and professionalism Hightower bring to the table that has Patriots inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo pumped up about his return.

"“Hightower’s a true professional,” Mayo said during his video conference back in June. “Obviously, opting out last year, hopefully we get the same Hightower we got in 2019, but we’ll see. We’ll see. I’ll say this about Hightower: I’m not worried about Hightower mentally. He’s one of the smartest players that I’ve been around and had the pleasure to coach. He knows all the Xs and Os. He’ll probably be a coach one day, honestly.”"

Bill Belichick will definitely rely on Hightower’s football IQ in 2021, but it is the health of Hightower that makes me reluctant to agree with Hanzus’ prediction. When the Alabama product is on the field, he makes the defense that much better, but over his career, Hightower has missed games due to various injuries. That is the one concern going into the 2021 NFL season, especially after he missed an entire season.

He is also 31 years old and on the last legs of his contract. If there is any sign of decline, cutting or even trading Hightower is always at play when it comes to Belichick. That of course will depend on how the younger players have progressed and quite frankly, Hightower would have to show a major decline in his ability to get the job done.

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If the 2019 version of Hightower is what the New England Patriots get in 2021, there is no doubt Belichick will have a top defense again. If Stephon Gilmore is back in the fold and some of these younger players step up and reach their potential, it could translate as the best in the NFL.

With depth on all three levels, a leader like Dont’a Hightower is exactly the difference between having just a pretty good defense and a defense that could turn out to be the best in the entire league.

Yes, he is just that important.

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