Top 10 No. 25 overall picks in NFL Draft history
By Mike Luciano
4. Dont'a Hightower, New England Patriots (2012)
Hightower is not only one of the most underrated parts of the Patriots' dynasty, but the former Alabama great might be one of the more underrated players in NFL history. Bill Belichick's defense could not have functioned as effectively as it did without Hightower in the middle.
Hightower making only two Pro Bowls and one All-Pro team is a crime against defensive football. At least he can rest easy knowing that he can slip three Super Bowl rings on his fingers. In a league getting smaller on defense, the 260-pound Hightower was a unique force on defense.
Dont'a Hightower was a very good No. 25 pick in the NFL Draft
3. Boyd Dowler, Green Bay Packers (1959)
While the Vince Lombardi Packers weren't known as a passing team due to their conservative, run-heavy style, Dowler was the top wideout for the entirety of Lombardi's tenure. Bart Starr connected with the former Wyoming star quite often over a 10-year period that brought about five NFL championships and two Super Bowls.
Dowler finished his career with 7,270 yards and 40 touchdowns despite his role in a running-first attack. The 1959 Rookie of the Year made the Pro Bowl twice and ended up making huge catch after huge catch for the most iconic team in the history of the sport. Not bad for what was a third-round pick at the time.