as he just declared.

It will really depend. Could be similar thing to Jimmy where he drops to us, but as far as physical ability he’s a top 10 player. Just depends if a team is willing to take a chance.

is ranked in the late teens. So likely not. but we should be able to grab one of the top 3 ILB, since Teo decided to head back. Keuchly is the top rated, likely top 10, then Burfict. Would love if Burfict is left.If not, third best is probably Donta Hightower, although he is not projected 1st round. Maybe we could trade down into the 2nd and still grab him, or trade up in the 2nd round. We will have to wait and see.

Alabama ILB Dont’a Hightower
Hightower is a downhill thumper who shows good instincts going forward against the run, but LSU will test his range in the Allstate BCS Championship Game.The big question is how much range Hightower has. We know what he can do between the tackles, but against LSU he’ll be forced to move laterally and play more outside the box. I’m also interested to see how Hightower holds up in underneath coverage, whether he can get to the spot in zone coverage and stay with receivers in man coverage. He’s a mid-to-late-second-rounder right now, but a big game against the Tigers could help Hightower get to the early part of the second round.

ESPN insider Player Evaluation
1 = EXCEPTIONAL 2 = ABOVE AVERAGE 3 = AVERAGE 4 = BELOW AVERAGE 5 = MARGINAL

OVERALL FOOTBALL TRAITS
Production 2 2008: (14/12)  64-4-0 2009: (4/4)  Medical redshirt 2010: (13/13)  69-3.5-0
Height-Weight-Speed 3 Is taller and has a thicker build than the average ILB prospect. Top-end speed is decent at best.
Durability 4 “Medical redshirt in 2009, when he started the first four games before tearing the ACL in his left knee (vs. ARK). Underwent reconstructive surgery on his ACL, MCL and meniscus. Played in all 14 games in 2008 and all 13 games in 2010.”
Intangibles 1 Hard worker. Team leader. Dedicated and determined to succeed. Takes nutrition and conditioning seriously. Has handled adversity well. No off the field problems to our knowledge.
1 = EXCEPTIONAL2 = ABOVE AVERAGE3 = AVERAGE4 = BELOW AVERAGE5 = MARGINAL
INSIDE LINEBACKER SPECIFIC TRAITS
Instincts/Recognition 1 Slightly quicker diagnosing play-action than ILB-mate Nico Johnson but both do a good job in that dept. Consistently the first Alabama LB to diagnose on tape. Takes very few false steps. Is quick to react and also is disciplined and plays within the scheme.
Take-on Skills 2 "Ideal fit as a 3-4 ILB. Takes on blocks with good leverage. Generally disciplined and uses proper shoulder. Shows savvy versus the run, especially between the tackles. Keeps head on a swivel and can find ball carrier while taking on blocks. Also knows how to give up leverage in order to keep blocker off of his body while locating the ball. "
Range vs. Run 3 Lacks good change of direction skills and is not a sideline-to-sideline run defender. But he does have better range than his ‘measurable’ might indicate. He diagnoses run quickly. Takes very good angles. Shows decent closing burst for size.
Tackling 2 Has good size and strength at the point of attack. A thumper. Flashes short area power. Has some trouble in space  leaves his feet a bit too much as a tackler and needs to do a better job of breaking down and staying under control before contact  but is a very strong tackler from tackle-to-tackle
3rd Down Capabilities 4 Good awareness in coverage. Diagnoses play-action quickly and shows a good feel in underneath-middle zone. But he’s limited athletically. Feet are slower than ideal and he shows stiffness in hips. Flashed some upside as an edge rusher as a LOLB on occasion. Does a decent job of keeping blockers off his body and shows torso flexibility when bending the edge. Shows gap-discipline when turned loose on inside blitz. Closing burst is adequate but not good.