As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Henry To’oTo’o.
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2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Henry To’oTo’o (LB – Alabama)
6’2” – 228 lbs.
Background:
Originally attended Tennessee, starting as a true freshman and posting 72-5.0-0.5 that year. Over ten games the following year, posted 68-7.5-1.0, then transferred to Alabama prior to the 2021 season, with his output expanding to 111-7.5-4.0 as a junior. Had a similar senior season of 94-8.0-2.5.
Positives:
Productive four-year SEC starter with experience playing in the middle of both even and odd fronts, but who could also project to the weakside. Took a big step forward in terms of his metrics this season. Very much a player built for the modern game. Excellent athlete with sideline-to-sideline range; works hard to pursue opposing ballcarriers. Great suddenness to sift through traffic and get to the ball. Typically able to run around blockers, but shows good extension and a better-than-anticipated anchor when taking on opposing linemen. Has quick feet and is rangy when making drops in zone coverage. Can stick with opposing receivers/tight ends down the seams. Easily athletic enough to carry opposing backs into the flats. Closes quickly when working as a spy. Has been able to find lanes to the quarterback since arriving at Alabama; many pressures are schemed, but gets there much faster than a typical linebacker.
Negatives:
Took a step forward this past season, but has been more productive than efficient. Size is on the small side for a pro linebacker. Instincts/play recognition are a work in progress despite being a four-year starter for major programs. Bites on misdirection too often, taking false steps which negate his athleticism. Pulled up by play-fakes on a regular basis. Doesn’t have a ton of stepping power; not the physical, between-the-tackles thumper some previous Tide linebackers have been, getting the worst of it at times against more powerful runners. Goes for arm tackles too often instead of putting his body into it, leading to missed attempts, averaging 14.4% on his career. Was exposed in coverage prior to this past season.
Summary:
A four-year starter with a strong motor and outstanding speed, quickness, and range, he seems tailor-made for the modern game from an athletic standpoint, and showed some improvement in his game this past season, but is still raw for someone who’s spent four years in major programs and might struggle to mix things up between the tackles at the next level. Has clear starting-level talent if teams believe he can continue to hone his instincts, add functional strength, and clean up his tackling.
Projection: Round 2-3
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