Ranking the Patriots Last 10 First-Round Picks, Worst to Best
By Ryan Bunton
1. Dont'a Hightower
Taken three picks after Jones, New England clearly crushed the 2012 draft. Hightower, a two-time National Champion at Alabama, is the runaway first choice on the list as the 25th overall pick in 2012. Hightower spent nine seasons with the Patriots, earning a selection to both the New England Patriots All-2010s and All-Dynasty Teams. He received a second-team All-Pro nod and two Pro Bowl selections. Most importantly, Hightower was a defensive centerpiece on three Patriot Super Bowl Championship teams.
Hightower was at the center of some great Super Bowl moments as well. His game-saving tackle of Marshawn Lynch at the one yard line set up Malcolm Butler's miraculous interception in the final minute of Super Bowl XLIX, and his strip sack of Matt Ryan in Super Bowl LI was a pivotal moment in New England's historic 28-3 comeback. Those two plays will live forever in Patriots lore.
Hightower racked up 539 tackles, 43 tackles for loss, and 27 sacks in a Patriots uniform. His career in New England should be good enough to earn him a red jacket and an induction in the Patriots Hall of Fame.
New England's decision to bring Hightower back to Foxborough as an assistant coach this season was even further proof that the Patriots nailed this pick.
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