Patriots Trade Up in NFL Draft, Again, Select Alabama LB Dont’a Hightower

The Patriots have been busy on first day of the 2012 NFL Draft.

Bill Belichick and the Pats traded up for a second time in the first round of the Draft, selecting Alabama linebacker Dont'a Hightower at the No. 25 spot.

New England traded their other first-round pick (No. 31 overall) and their fourth rounder (No. 126 overall) to the Denver Broncos for No. 25.

The Patriots traded up earlier in the first round to select defensive end Chandler Jones, dishing out a first round (No. 27) and third round (No. 93).

Hightower was a monster on Alabama's national championship winning team in 2011-12. He amasssed 83 takcles to go along with four sacks and an interception during the year.

Photo via College Press Box