Highsmith Looking to Impress in Arizona

By: Floyd Randolph
Football Review Daily

As the final seconds ticked off the 2008 NFL Draft clock, most players who had been passed over in the earlier portion of the draft finally began hearing their names being called in the latter half, yet one thing was left unsettled – LB Ali Highsmith’s name was still out there. A surefire first round pick only a couple months ago, his stock had severely slipped, and as the final picks were announced his name was still left on the board.

Highsmith became the victim of a poor combine, tallying forty yard dash times in the low fives and not showing the explosive nature he showed back at LSU where he was once rated as one of the premier linebackers in the nation. Highsmith had a monster 2007 college season where he racked in 101 tackles, recorded three sacks and two forced fumbles; after the season was over, Highsmith was rated near the top of every draft board in terms of linebackers.

Highsmith, known for his physical play has also been praised for his knack of being in the right place at the right time – he is the type that won’t go down until the whistle is blown. This is the type of characteristic that is far too often ignored on draft day – Ali is not only a gifted athlete, but rather a highly intelligent football player with the tools defensive coordinators drool over once they see his productivity in their system.

Now with the dust settling, Ali is ready to make his mark in the league. Highsmith signed a two-year rookie free agent contract with Cardinals soon after draft day and will be looked upon as one of the few potential undrafted impact players. He’s been given a second chance to make his mark, and after seeing how productive Ali is on the field, it’s only a matter of time before those scouts who erased his name off of their draft boards will regret their passing of not only a gifted athlete, but rather a true football player with a relentless passion for the game.

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SI.com's NFL Draft Film Room compiled a highlight reel from the Highsmith's collegiate career.