Who is... Tim Hightower? (1 Viewer)

[Jeff Pasquino]

Many people are wondering who becomes the feature RB in Arizona once Edge runs out of gas. The tank may be nearing "E" for Edge, so some are taking a long look at their 5th rounder, Tim Hightower.

I'll admit, I didn't know this kid at all before the draft, but I did some digging. Please, add what you can about him. Personally from what I have read I am picking him as a nice sleeper candidate, but the proof will be in Training Camp (or OTAs).

Before I add some links / stories, I'll start with what I've heard about the RB from Richmond:

Two different sources have compared him to Marion Barber. That strikes a chord with me as I've been a huge MB3 fan from day one.

Sources : NFL.com and AzCardinals.com, the second of which coming from OC Todd Haley.

Now the same story (AzCards) labels him something of a project, but that's OK for me.

Looking at Arizona, Whizenhunt loves to build up a ground game. He's retooling the O-line and looking to get a more balanced offense. Some thought this would benefit Edge most, but if he's lost a step, the beneficiary will be the "next man up".

Next, look at the depth chart. We have:

RB: Edgerrin James, J.J. Arrington (KR/3RB), Marcel Shipp, Tim Hightower, Chris Vincent

Ooh, scary depth here. Hightower has to jump over Arrington and Shipp to be the #2. If he has the talent that some think, that shouldn't be too daunting. It certainly isn't like he's behind ADP and Chester Taylor.

Here's a recent story about Hightower, who may be looked at for goal line duty for the Cards:

Tim had 20 TDs and 1,900+ yards for Richmond last year, but temper that with the level of competition.

AzCentral.com

While he had a good 2007, he wasn't invited to the Combine, but did post a 4.51 40 at his Pro Day. We also read here how another coach / former player loves Hightower - Maurice Carthon.

InRich.com

The link is mostly a fluff piece, but it does give a little bit of insight. Interesting he grew up in Southern Maryland (Waldorf) and stayed locally.

Anyway, yes I'm more high on him because of his situation than any other reason. If the Cards bring in another RB to back up Edge, there goes Hightower's value. But I'm curious if anyone else has any background / insight on him. Personally I think he's extremely intriguing and in a perfect position to be "one injury away" from being in a very good situation.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Pretty sure I was the first to mention Hightower around here. If both those links are active, one is an excellent article about the kid very early last season.

I'm hoping to snag him in a rookie draft, and don't have much to offer in terms of a scouting report. He's from such a small school, few have really seen him in action and even fewer against meaningful competition. He's big with decent speed and better lateral stuff than you might expect. Bloom liked Oman better in a side by side comparison at an all-star game.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Pretty sure I was the first to mention Hightower around here. If both those links are active, one is an excellent article about the kid very early last season.

I'm hoping to snag him in a rookie draft, and don't have much to offer in terms of a scouting report. He's from such a small school, few have really seen him in action and even fewer against meaningful competition. He's big with decent speed and better lateral stuff than you might expect. Bloom liked Oman better in a side by side comparison at an all-star game.

Too much dancing... but if Arizona can make him run with urgency, i'll pay closer attention. Im looking for the same thing from Kevin Smith in the preseason/TC reports. Man, if Omon had only landed in Arizona instead of Buffalo... I'd be salivating over his prospects.

 

[streamkeeper]

I saw him play his last college game here in Boone. He looked slow to me.

 

[finito]

I'm not overly impressed by what I've seen. He could surprise I guess but I'd be shocked if he ended up as the starter.

 

[pecorino]

all aboard the JJ Arrington bandwagon!

 

[Almas_4th_Child]

Tiki Barber...come back?

 

[massraider]

I am planning on drafting him as a handcuff to whichever RB the Cards draft next year.

 

[flooredyas]

I am planning on drafting him as a handcuff to whichever RB the Cards draft next year.

BINGO

 

[Yitbos69]

I saw him play his last college game here in Boone. He looked slow to me.

I think he ran a 4.63 40

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

I saw him play his last college game here in Boone. He looked slow to me.

I think he ran a 4.63 40

Ryan Grant ran a 4.56. Marion Barber around 4.5. If I was going to compare based on measurables, those are the two guys that came to mind.The question to ask is, will the Arizona system allow Hightower to work to his strengths? Both Barber and Grant are in the perfect offenses for their skills. Will Hightower see the same?

 

[Chaos Commish]

I saw him play his last college game here in Boone. He looked slow to me.

I think he ran a 4.63 40

Ryan Grant ran a 4.56. Marion Barber around 4.5. If I was going to compare based on measurables, those are the two guys that came to mind.The question to ask is, will the Arizona system allow Hightower to work to his strengths? Both Barber and Grant are in the perfect offenses for their skills. Will Hightower see the same?

Hightower ran a 4.51 at his Pro Day. It's in the OP. Additionally, he broke a bunch of long runs last year and won several footraces to the endzone. Speed is not Hightower's problem.

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

I saw him play his last college game here in Boone. He looked slow to me.

I think he ran a 4.63 40

Ryan Grant ran a 4.56. Marion Barber around 4.5. If I was going to compare based on measurables, those are the two guys that came to mind.The question to ask is, will the Arizona system allow Hightower to work to his strengths? Both Barber and Grant are in the perfect offenses for their skills. Will Hightower see the same?

Hightower ran a 4.51 at his Pro Day. It's in the OP. Additionally, he broke a bunch of long runs last year and won several footraces to the endzone. Speed is not Hightower's problem.

'Works for me. The comparison is even tighter then in my opinion.So in your mind, what is Hightower's problem? NFL.com says he dances too much, and that appears to be the criticism here from Bloom. Is that fixable?

 

[Wildman]

I saw him play his last college game here in Boone. He looked slow to me.

I think he ran a 4.63 40

Ryan Grant ran a 4.56. Marion Barber around 4.5. If I was going to compare based on measurables, those are the two guys that came to mind.The question to ask is, will the Arizona system allow Hightower to work to his strengths? Both Barber and Grant are in the perfect offenses for their skills. Will Hightower see the same?

Hightower ran a 4.51 at his Pro Day. It's in the OP. Additionally, he broke a bunch of long runs last year and won several footraces to the endzone. Speed is not Hightower's problem.

I have a scouting evaluation on him in the RSP. Foot speed was once his problem. He was a soccer player prior to coning to football. He never focused on speed until the off season prior to his junior year. He improved his speed between his Jr-SR year. He' still not a burner, but the training showed he's a good athlete with a higher ceiling than a short-sighted evaluator might initially think just from following the standard book on him. Without going into great detail, he's a pretty decent prospect. Not sure he'll be the next Edgerrin James, but he might be better than Marcel Shipp at his best if things go well for him. He's a smart, tough, versatile runner.

 

[Cecil Lammey]

Instinct is his biggest problem. RBs need to be able to run to daylight, not dance behind the LOS.

 

[awesomeness]

does he have any videos online somewhere? I dont want to draft a kid who i have never seen play.

 

[Yitbos69]

best I could do.....he ran for 120/1

Link to his stats

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=159679

 

[sholditch]

If he is any relation to officer Hightower from the Police Academy movies, I'm taking him with the 1.4

 

[TheFanatic]

Jeff,

He's the guy you won't trade me in Hyper/Active I

Edge, Shipp, Arrington owner

Admittedly i haven't offered much, but I don't have much to offer....

 

[Raagsreth]

http://richmondspiders.cstv.com/sports/m-f...ootbl-body.html

Go to audio/video tab then spiders all-access. Window will pop up, you'll need to signup takes a min then click on all sports - football, and you'll have a few Richmond football highlights you can watch. It shows the teams highlights so just be on the lookout for #22.

 

[sholditch]

Watched the first minute of that youtube video and saw him get stuffed by the all-powerful Spider D twice...he doesn't have the right to bear Officer Hightower's name.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

Watched the first minute of that youtube video and saw him get stuffed by the all-powerful Spider D twice...he doesn't have the right to bear Officer Hightower's name.

Hightower played for the Spiders.That was the mighty Towson Tigers defense stuffing Hightower.

 

[LBH]

im hoping for short yardage opps this season. Any chance for GL carries this year?

 

[sholditch]

Watched the first minute of that youtube video and saw him get stuffed by the all-powerful Spider D twice...he doesn't have the right to bear Officer Hightower's name.

Hightower played for the Spiders.That was the mighty Towson Tigers defense stuffing Hightower.

Oh, in that case, he should go 1.1. 1250+10

 

[LBH]

im surprised there isnt more buzz about this guy. Arrington and Shipp dont seem like they have any long term potential at this point, and they talked about reducing Edges role last year(at least in GL situations). Anybody think Hightower can make his way to #2 on the depth chart with a chance to take over for Edge in 09 or beyond?

 

[Chaos Commish]

Pretty sure I was the first to mention Hightower around here...

I'm hoping to snag him in a rookie draft...

Well, I didn't get him. He went with the first pick of the 4th round. My target was later in that round (and even that is qualified by other possible availability). I think in most leagues you'll have to reach a little because of the situation in AZ -- Shipp and Arrington being his current long term competition, Edge being up there in years. He wasn't worth a 3rd to me considering the depth of quality in this class. But, I think he better be worth a third to you if you intend on completing the Edge handcuff or otherwise owning him.

 

[Billy Ball Thorton]

Here is some highlights for those that are lookin for em.

http://richmondspiders.cstv.com/sports/m-f.../hightower.html

 

[renesauz]

Pretty sure I was the first to mention Hightower around here...

I'm hoping to snag him in a rookie draft...

Well, I didn't get him. He went with the first pick of the 4th round. My target was later in that round (and even that is qualified by other possible availability). I think in most leagues you'll have to reach a little because of the situation in AZ -- Shipp and Arrington being his current long term competition, Edge being up there in years. He wasn't worth a 3rd to me considering the depth of quality in this class. But, I think he better be worth a third to you if you intend on completing the Edge handcuff or otherwise owning him.

I grabbed him with an early fourth too.

 

[pecorino]

i'm an edge owner who was going to grab him at 3.09 but he went several picks earlier. i figure he'll do nothing for the first half of the season, will be dropped by the other owner and i'll get him for free.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

im surprised there isnt more buzz about this guy. Arrington and Shipp dont seem like they have any long term potential at this point, and they talked about reducing Edges role last year(at least in GL situations). Anybody think Hightower can make his way to #2 on the depth chart with a chance to take over for Edge in 09 or beyond?

I'm on board with this theory.As you can tell from my rookie rankings, I am liking what little I've read on him. Way too early to tell, but the situation is ripe for a new RB in town.I've drafted him 2x so far.

 

[msommer]

Pretty sure I was the first to mention Hightower around here...

I'm hoping to snag him in a rookie draft...

Well, I didn't get him. He went with the first pick of the 4th round. My target was later in that round (and even that is qualified by other possible availability). I think in most leagues you'll have to reach a little because of the situation in AZ -- Shipp and Arrington being his current long term competition, Edge being up there in years. He wasn't worth a 3rd to me considering the depth of quality in this class. But, I think he better be worth a third to you if you intend on completing the Edge handcuff or otherwise owning him.

I grabbed him with an early fourth too.

me too

 

[Bri]

Hank Baskett II

 

[LBH]

Tim Hightower, Best Steal of the Draft?

By AZRedReport.com Staff

Posted May 24, 2008

When the Arizona Cardinals selected RB Tim Hightower out of Richmond, most Cardinals fans asked who, what? As the draft dust settles, more and more are on board with the franchise's decision to nab the Marion Barber-esque back. Former pro scout Tom Marino, who has 35 years-plus experience in the league, couldn't rave more about the player he labels the best steal of the draft, he explains why.

Check back soon for an exclusive interview with Tim Hightower on AZRedReport.com

Most were surprised when the Cardinals selected Tim Hightower, what's your take?

Tom Marino: Tim Hightower is a great pick. I've seen all the draft publications, and nobody ever mentioned him. I think in my mind that Hightower has a next level to him, beyond some of the first-rounders.

Hightower can play with the guy from Tulane (Matt Forte) and the guy from Central Florida (Kevin Smith). Hightower was a guy, up to this year, who split time with three other backs. Hightower is a real steal for Arizona.

In college, Hightower had a bulls-eye on him. He was a marked man in every game. He carried the ball over 300 times and almost ran for 2,000 yards.

</I>What are Hightower's biggest strengths? </I>

TM: Hightower can catch, he can run, he has excellent vision and balance. The biggest thing about this guy is he never fumbled in 700 times carrying the ball. As a college football player that's unheard of. I'd call him the best selection in the whole draft.

This guy has a real chance of being a major contributor from the get go. He is one my favorite picks. In college, they couldn't tackle the guy.

What's Hightower's style of play?

TM: Hightower is a North-South guy. He has a little burst with his vision and quickness. The Cardinals are going to be able to control the football with him. He is highly underrated. Hightower kind of reminds me of Marcus Allen, in style and how he runs the ball.

Hightower is a fine pick. The Cardinals got themselves one of the best sleeper picks and the biggest steal.

http://ari.scout.com/2/757233.html

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

he never fumbled in 700 times carrying the ball

Shipp has fumbled 11 times in 605 career carries. Arrington has only fumbled once, but he has also averaged 3.1/carry. I see Hightower getting a chance to show what he can do if Edge misses time or slows down too much.Then again Edge has only missed one game in the last 4 years and has over 1158 yards in each of the last 5 seasons, so it might be a while before he hits 'E'.

 

[bcr8f]

I saw him play his last college game here in Boone. He looked slow to me.

I think he ran a 4.63 40

Ryan Grant ran a 4.56. Marion Barber around 4.5. If I was going to compare based on measurables, those are the two guys that came to mind.

The question to ask is, will the Arizona system allow Hightower to work to his strengths? Both Barber and Grant are in the perfect offenses for their skills. Will Hightower see the same?

No way Barber is faster than Grant. From WikipediaGrant applied for the 2005 NFL Draft after his senior year and was invited to the 2005 NFL Scouting Combine, a week-long showcase for NFL hopefuls. Scouts did not credit Grant with exceptional speed, but he was clocked at 4.43 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the Combine.

 

[LBH]

from rotoworld...

Cardinals signed fifth-round RB Tim Hightower to a three-year contract.

Hightower is coming from Richmond and faces a big learning curve. But the Cards' coaching staff has compared him to Marion Barber and might get Hightower in the short-yardage mix before long. He's a 225-pound power back.

 

[SammyJankis]

Tim Hightower, Best Steal of the Draft?

By AZRedReport.com Staff

Posted May 24, 2008

When the Arizona Cardinals selected RB Tim Hightower out of Richmond, most Cardinals fans asked who, what? As the draft dust settles, more and more are on board with the franchise's decision to nab the Marion Barber-esque back. Former pro scout Tom Marino, who has 35 years-plus experience in the league, couldn't rave more about the player he labels the best steal of the draft, he explains why.

Check back soon for an exclusive interview with Tim Hightower on AZRedReport.com

Most were surprised when the Cardinals selected Tim Hightower, what's your take?

Tom Marino: Tim Hightower is a great pick. I've seen all the draft publications, and nobody ever mentioned him. I think in my mind that Hightower has a next level to him, beyond some of the first-rounders.

Hightower can play with the guy from Tulane (Matt Forte) and the guy from Central Florida (Kevin Smith). Hightower was a guy, up to this year, who split time with three other backs. Hightower is a real steal for Arizona.

In college, Hightower had a bulls-eye on him. He was a marked man in every game. He carried the ball over 300 times and almost ran for 2,000 yards.

</I>What are Hightower's biggest strengths? </I>

TM: Hightower can catch, he can run, he has excellent vision and balance. The biggest thing about this guy is he never fumbled in 700 times carrying the ball. As a college football player that's unheard of. I'd call him the best selection in the whole draft.

This guy has a real chance of being a major contributor from the get go. He is one my favorite picks. In college, they couldn't tackle the guy.

What's Hightower's style of play?

TM: Hightower is a North-South guy. He has a little burst with his vision and quickness. The Cardinals are going to be able to control the football with him. He is highly underrated. Hightower kind of reminds me of Marcus Allen, in style and how he runs the ball.

Hightower is a fine pick. The Cardinals got themselves one of the best sleeper picks and the biggest steal.

http://ari.scout.com/2/757233.html

Phoenix local that drafted hightower late in a dynasty draft over the weekend. I can tell you that fans are pretty excited on the local message boards, but are trying to temper their enthusiasm. (Enthusiam was high for Buster Davis last year and he didn't make the team.)There was no news on Hightower good or bad from minicamps. I'll keep my ear to the ground and post if I hear anything new in training camp.

 

[SammyJankis]

Did find one snippet on Hightower from Card's minicamp. This from Pro Football Weekly

We hear the Cardinals believe fifth-round rookie RB Tim Hightower, the team’s first 2008 rookie to sign a contract, could end up being a pretty decent player at the pro level. Hightower’s thick frame reminds some team insiders of Steven Jackson, although he’s not nearly as big or fast as the Rams’ featured back. Word is, though, that Hightower is looking at least good enough to put the roster spot of J.J. Arrington, who was arrested on a disorderly-conduct charge earlier this week, in serious jeopardy.

 

[UnknownCoach]

I am planning on drafting him as a handcuff to whichever RB the Cards draft next year.

That's likely his only upside.While they might not spend a high pick next year, the Cards arent going to just hand the reigns over to a Tim Hightower. His situation isnt that appealing in a dynasty league. Sure he could (not really likely but possible) potentially win the backup job to Edge, but an unspectacular backup RB in Arizona isnt worth where I see people ranking Hightower. How high of a pick are you going to spend on a player who is going to have an uphill battle just to be that?

 

[Mr Two Cents]

I am planning on drafting him as a handcuff to whichever RB the Cards draft next year.

That's likely his only upside.While they might not spend a high pick next year, the Cards arent going to just hand the reigns over to a Tim Hightower. His situation isnt that appealing in a dynasty league. Sure he could (not really likely but possible) potentially win the backup job to Edge, but an unspectacular backup RB in Arizona isnt worth where I see people ranking Hightower. How high of a pick are you going to spend on a player who is going to have an uphill battle just to be that?

How can you now how appealing he is in a dynasty league.Graham, Grant, FWP, MDJ you never know where a starter of RB2 will come from.I picked up Graham, Grant and FWP off the waiver wire during different seasons.To just write him off is crazy in my opinion, especially if you are talking 53 man roster leagues where you can stash him for a year or two with no impact to your starting lineup.

 

[BigRed]

Saw him once. General impression was not a plodder but needs to hit the hole a little quicker and hardly speedy. No moves at all, or should I say none that worked (the dances-too-much thing is pretty valid IMO). His size and abilities told me he was a North/South guy but he tried to get "cute" too much w/the moves. OK receiver.

 

[UnknownCoach]

I am planning on drafting him as a handcuff to whichever RB the Cards draft next year.

That's likely his only upside.While they might not spend a high pick next year, the Cards arent going to just hand the reigns over to a Tim Hightower. His situation isnt that appealing in a dynasty league. Sure he could (not really likely but possible) potentially win the backup job to Edge, but an unspectacular backup RB in Arizona isnt worth where I see people ranking Hightower. How high of a pick are you going to spend on a player who is going to have an uphill battle just to be that?

How can you now how appealing he is in a dynasty league.Graham, Grant, FWP, MDJ you never know where a starter of RB2 will come from.I picked up Graham, Grant and FWP off the waiver wire during different seasons.To just write him off is crazy in my opinion, especially if you are talking 53 man roster leagues where you can stash him for a year or two with no impact to your starting lineup.

Did you read my post? Let me translate... Hightower's situation is getting way too much hype and he's overvalued right now. It certainly doesnt compare to MJD's rookie situation in any way shape or form. FWP was worth nothing for a long time which was why you didnt have to spend a draft pick on him. The Buc's arent committed to Graham as their future who again you didnt have to spend a draft pick on. While Grant doesnt have the contract yet, he is showing promise but yet once again, he was on your league's waiver wire. So you want to overspend on a draft pick for a guy who'll probably be on your league's waiver wire? Have at it.

 

[Lobo237]

I am planning on drafting him as a handcuff to whichever RB the Cards draft next year.

That's likely his only upside.While they might not spend a high pick next year, the Cards arent going to just hand the reigns over to a Tim Hightower. His situation isnt that appealing in a dynasty league. Sure he could (not really likely but possible) potentially win the backup job to Edge, but an unspectacular backup RB in Arizona isnt worth where I see people ranking Hightower. How high of a pick are you going to spend on a player who is going to have an uphill battle just to be that?

How can you now how appealing he is in a dynasty league.Graham, Grant, FWP, MDJ you never know where a starter of RB2 will come from.I picked up Graham, Grant and FWP off the waiver wire during different seasons.To just write him off is crazy in my opinion, especially if you are talking 53 man roster leagues where you can stash him for a year or two with no impact to your starting lineup.

Did you read my post? Let me translate... Hightower's situation is getting way too much hype and he's overvalued right now. It certainly doesnt compare to MJD's rookie situation in any way shape or form. FWP was worth nothing for a long time which was why you didnt have to spend a draft pick on him. The Buc's arent committed to Graham as their future who again you didnt have to spend a draft pick on. While Grant doesnt have the contract yet, he is showing promise but yet once again, he was on your league's waiver wire. So you want to overspend on a draft pick for a guy who'll probably be on your league's waiver wire? Have at it.

I really think it depends on league size. I'm in the 28th round of a 45 round draft for a 12 team IDP league, and while their are some good defensive players available, the offensive talent has really been thinned out. At this point it's all flyers and developmental projects. So for me if it's a choice between Arrington and Hightower I roll the dice on Hightower. Yeah, it's unlikely he pans out, but the cost is minimal, both in draft spot and roster space. But again this is with a 45 man roster. Cut that in half and I'm probably hoping to grab him off the waiver wire if he shows any signs of having value. Heck that's part of the point of large rosters, you can stash guys like this for next to no cost. Hell in two years I'm sure many of the guys drafted in the 30th or lower won't be rostered any more, at least on the offensive side of the ball simply because most are drafted purely on upside.

 

[massraider]

I am planning on drafting him as a handcuff to whichever RB the Cards draft next year.

That's likely his only upside.While they might not spend a high pick next year, the Cards arent going to just hand the reigns over to a Tim Hightower. His situation isnt that appealing in a dynasty league. Sure he could (not really likely but possible) potentially win the backup job to Edge, but an unspectacular backup RB in Arizona isnt worth where I see people ranking Hightower. How high of a pick are you going to spend on a player who is going to have an uphill battle just to be that?

How can you now how appealing he is in a dynasty league.Graham, Grant, FWP, MDJ you never know where a starter of RB2 will come from.I picked up Graham, Grant and FWP off the waiver wire during different seasons.To just write him off is crazy in my opinion, especially if you are talking 53 man roster leagues where you can stash him for a year or two with no impact to your starting lineup.

Did you read my post? Let me translate... Hightower's situation is getting way too much hype and he's overvalued right now. It certainly doesnt compare to MJD's rookie situation in any way shape or form. FWP was worth nothing for a long time which was why you didnt have to spend a draft pick on him. The Buc's arent committed to Graham as their future who again you didnt have to spend a draft pick on. While Grant doesnt have the contract yet, he is showing promise but yet once again, he was on your league's waiver wire. So you want to overspend on a draft pick for a guy who'll probably be on your league's waiver wire? Have at it.

I really think it depends on league size. I'm in the 28th round of a 45 round draft for a 12 team IDP league, and while their are some good defensive players available, the offensive talent has really been thinned out. At this point it's all flyers and developmental projects. So for me if it's a choice between Arrington and Hightower I roll the dice on Hightower. Yeah, it's unlikely he pans out, but the cost is minimal, both in draft spot and roster space. But again this is with a 45 man roster. Cut that in half and I'm probably hoping to grab him off the waiver wire if he shows any signs of having value. Heck that's part of the point of large rosters, you can stash guys like this for next to no cost. Hell in two years I'm sure many of the guys drafted in the 30th or lower won't be rostered any more, at least on the offensive side of the ball simply because most are drafted purely on upside.

I would agree with this.I think he is barely draftable in most rookie draft formats, or with any kind of "smaller" rosters. leagues with big rosters and taxi squads? Yeah, he is draftable, but heck, EVERY back is draftable in those leagues. The guy has opportunity, at least beyond this year. Which is more than a lot of backs have. But he is being drafted strictly on this opportunity, not on any kind of talent that people are excited about.In IDP dynasty leagues, he is going in the 3rd, or 4tf round of rookie drafts. Too high, IMO.BTW, I am dead serious, I think he is going to be a handcuff to whoever is there next year.

 

[UnknownCoach]

I would agree with this.I think he is barely draftable in most rookie draft formats, or with any kind of "smaller" rosters. leagues with big rosters and taxi squads? Yeah, he is draftable, but heck, EVERY back is draftable in those leagues. The guy has opportunity, at least beyond this year. Which is more than a lot of backs have. But he is being drafted strictly on this opportunity, not on any kind of talent that people are excited about.In IDP dynasty leagues, he is going in the 3rd, or 4tf round of rookie drafts. Too high, IMO.BTW, I am dead serious, I think he is going to be a handcuff to whoever is there next year.

Exactly. People are too excited about Hightower's situation which really isnt more exciteing than the other late round rookie RBs. I'm not even sure he'll be a handcuff player. The way things look right now, its going to be RBBC if Edge went down. You got 3 guys in a heated battle for carries after Edge. If they part with Arrington, they'll pick up someone else as a backup as well.

 

[SammyJankis]

As a Phoenix local, I often read the Arizona Sports Fan Message Board on the cardinals. Good things so far from the camp reports. Hightower has consistantly been getting 2nd team reps. Speculation is that he'll be the backup, Shipp third string and Arrington will be shown the door.

Practice 1: "We noticed that Tim Hightower was actually getting reps with the 2nd team offense today. "

Practice 2: "Tim Hightower may not be fast per se but I can certainly see that burst that was talked about during draft time. "

Practice 3: "Next was 11 on 11 and Hightower was again getting some reps with Leinart under center. It was either first or 2nd team but was hard to tell due to distance. Hightower is quick and for a guy his size very shifty. The more I see of him the more I am impressed. The coaches must be too if he is getting 1st or 2nd team reps ahead of Shipp and JJ."

Practice 4: "Hightower again geting reps with 2nd team."

I've seen glowing camp reports on guys that did zero in the regular season, so take it with a grain of salt. At a minimum though, the trend looks like Hightower has the inside track on the backup job.

 

[LBH]

As a Phoenix local, I often read the Arizona Sports Fan Message Board on the cardinals. Good things so far from the camp reports. Hightower has consistantly been getting 2nd team reps. Speculation is that he'll be the backup, Shipp third string and Arrington will be shown the door.Practice 1: "We noticed that Tim Hightower was actually getting reps with the 2nd team offense today. "Practice 2: "Tim Hightower may not be fast per se but I can certainly see that burst that was talked about during draft time. "Practice 3: "Next was 11 on 11 and Hightower was again getting some reps with Leinart under center. It was either first or 2nd team but was hard to tell due to distance. Hightower is quick and for a guy his size very shifty. The more I see of him the more I am impressed. The coaches must be too if he is getting 1st or 2nd team reps ahead of Shipp and JJ."Practice 4: "Hightower again geting reps with 2nd team."I've seen glowing camp reports on guys that did zero in the regular season, so take it with a grain of salt. At a minimum though, the trend looks like Hightower has the inside track on the backup job.

Thanks for the info

 

[Bob Magaw]

As a Phoenix local, I often read the Arizona Sports Fan Message Board on the cardinals. Good things so far from the camp reports. Hightower has consistantly been getting 2nd team reps. Speculation is that he'll be the backup, Shipp third string and Arrington will be shown the door.Practice 1: "We noticed that Tim Hightower was actually getting reps with the 2nd team offense today. "Practice 2: "Tim Hightower may not be fast per se but I can certainly see that burst that was talked about during draft time. "Practice 3: "Next was 11 on 11 and Hightower was again getting some reps with Leinart under center. It was either first or 2nd team but was hard to tell due to distance. Hightower is quick and for a guy his size very shifty. The more I see of him the more I am impressed. The coaches must be too if he is getting 1st or 2nd team reps ahead of Shipp and JJ."Practice 4: "Hightower again geting reps with 2nd team."I've seen glowing camp reports on guys that did zero in the regular season, so take it with a grain of salt. At a minimum though, the trend looks like Hightower has the inside track on the backup job.

good to see a sammyjankis post... always appreciate the cards perspective...

 

[Burning Sensation]

Who is... Tim Hightower?

4%

 

[The Royal Jack]

Really I think he compares to "Nemo" Broughton who the Skins drafted a few years back out of the Citadel. Hightower is going to be playing special teams with spotty duty in the run game.