Your expectations for Jones, Hightower

May, 14, 2012
5/14/12
12:38
PM ET
By Mike Reiss | ESPNBoston.com
In a story now posted on ESPNBoston.com, Mike Reiss speaks with three football analysts in the media and asks the question, "What is a realistic expectation for when first-round picks Chandler Jones and Dont'a Hightower might contribute to the Patriots?"

SportsNation

How quickly will Chandler Jones and Dont'a Hightower contribute?

  •  
    84%
  •  
    16%

Discuss (Total votes: 6,727)

Top draft picks have had mixed results when it comes to immediate contributions.

In 2007, safety Brandon Meriweather (24th overall) didn't start right away. Ditto for safety Patrick Chung (34th overall) in 2009.

But linebacker Jerod Mayo (10th overall) broke through in 2008 to become an immediate contributor. And even in 2010, second-round draft choice
Jermaine Cunningham (53rd overall) played 50 percent of the snaps as an early-down outside linebacker in the 3-4 alignment.

Given the make-up of the roster, one can see opportunity for Jones and Hightower if they can seize it. But how much opportunity?

Share your thoughts in the comments section and in the accompanying poll.

Mike Reiss

Patriots reporter, ESPNBoston.com
  • Covered Patriots since 1997
  • Blogging on Pats since 2004
  • Joined ESPNBoston.com in 2009

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Reiss
Mike Reiss

Mike Reiss first started covering the Patriots in 1997 with the team's official newspaper, Patriots Football Weekly, before moving on to the MetroWest Daily News in his hometown of Framingham. From 2005 to 2009, he covered the Patriots for The Boston Globe, while also writing on the NFL. He started his popular Patriots blog in 2004. Send any questions or comments for Mike to his mailbag. Follow him on Twitter (@MikeReiss).

Rodak
Mike Rodak

Mike Rodak began covering the Patriots for ESPNBoston.com in July 2010. A native of Grafton, Mass., Mike attended Providence College. Follow him on Twitter (@mikerodak)

Yates
Field Yates

Field Yates begins his contributions to ESPNBoston.com in 2012 after having written for a number of football-related sites around the web. Field began his professional career after college with the Kansas City Chiefs, working in both the scouting and coaching departments of the franchise before redirecting his focus to a career in media. He also interned for four summers in the coaching and scouting departments with the Patriots. Follow him on Twitter (@FieldYates).

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