Rob

Ninkovich

The Pats surrendered the No. 31 and No. 126 (fourth round) picks to move up for the second time in four selections. The fourth Crimson Tide player off the board, opinions are split on whether or not Hightower is a talented enough pass rusher to be a three-down player, but the Pats clearly believe he is. He should be primarily used as a run stopper as a rookie, but has just enough speed (4.68 Combine 40) to drop back into coverage. His selection isn’t good news for Rob Ninkovich’s IDP value.

The position isn’t set in stone, however. The Pats could decide that Hightower is best suited inside with Jerod Mayo freelancing more on the outside. Veteran SLB Rob Ninkovich will see his snaps reduced, allowing his legs to stay fresh for nickel packages. With Mayo, Hightower, and Brandon Spikes, New England has the potential for a lethal linebacker corps.

Ninkovich was one of the league’s more effective outside linebackers last season, so it could be a sign the Patriots are planning to go with more four-man fronts in 2012. A fifth-round pick in 2006, Ninkovich has seen snaps at end before. Wherever he plays, he’ll do so coming off a 74-tackle, 6.5 sack campaign.

Ninkovich receives a $2 million signing bonus and $900,000 base salaries in 2012 and 2013 on top of his $650,000 salary for 2011. Formerly a longsnapper, Ninkovich started 10 of 16 games with 61 tackles and four sacks last season. He’s now a starting linebacker in the 4-3 scheme, moving to defensive end in nickel packages.

Ninkovich is in the final season of a two-year, $4 million contract. The Patriots currently have $8.32 million cap space, so he could be signed to a multi-year deal before training camp. Ninkovich had five forced fumbles and led New England with eight sacks in 2012. Brandon Spikes and Ryan Wendell are also set to become free agents following the season.

Ninkovich strained muscles in his hip during Week 17, but got a little work in last week and was a limited participant on Wednesday. Ninkovich led the Patriots with eight sacks this season.

Ninkovich has been New England’s top pass rusher this season, leading the team with eight sacks and five forced fumbles. The Pats didn’t miss him on Sunday, as they racked up seven sacks in the shutout, including three by undrafted rookie DE Justin Francis and one by Ninkovich’s replacement, Trevor Scott. The Patriots have not updated Ninkovich’s status.

Ninkovich left Sunday’s win over the Dolphins and never returned to the contest, so there was certainly a level of concern for the Patriots’ sack master. Reportedly, he’s just suffered some “strained muscles in his hip.” Ninkovich set a new career-high with eight sacks this season. He’ll have two weeks to rest up as the Patriots secured a first-round bye for the postseason.

Ninkovich was lucky to escape serious injury in the regular-season finale. With a week and half to go before the Divisional Round playoff game, the Patriots should have their sack leader back in action.

Ninkovich was among the Patriots’ most valuable 2012 defenders, leading the team with eight sacks and forcing five fumbles. Thanks to playing time and performance incentives, his 2013 base salary -- the final year of his contract -- has already jumped from $900,000 to $1.4 million. After the Patriots address free agency, Ninkovich could be in line to get a couple years tacked on. He’ll turn 29 on Friday.