ESPN predicts that former Vols standout will be a first round pick in 2023 NFL Draft

A former Tennessee Vols standout could hear his name called in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. But I'm not sure it'll make UT fans very happy. ESPN's Todd McShay released a very early 2023 mock draft this week and he has former Vols linebacker Henry To'o To'o being selected by the Dallas […]

Zach Ragan — Tennessee Volunteers News Writer
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A former Tennessee Vols standout could hear his name called in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

But I'm not sure it'll make UT fans very happy.

ESPN's Todd McShay released a very early 2023 mock draft this week and he has former Vols linebacker Henry To'o To'o being selected by the Dallas Cowboys with the No. 24 overall selection.

To'o To'o signed with Tennessee during the 2019 recruiting cycle as a four-star recruit. He transferred to Alabama after the 2020 season (which coincided with a recruiting scandal that led to then UT head coach Jeremy Pruitt losing his job).

Oct 12, 2019; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Henry To'o To'o (11) celebrates during the first half of a game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2019; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Henry To’o To’o (11) celebrates during the first half of a game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports

From ESPN:

The Cowboys just used a fifth-rounder on linebacker Damone Clark, who will miss 2022 because of a back injury but should be ready to roll in 2023. Even so, adding another top-flight linebacker could help free up Micah Parsons in a more versatile role in which he thrives. To'oTo'o made 106 tackles last season.

I'm a bit surprised to see To'o To'o projected as a first-round pick. I can't help but think that if he was wearing a different uniform we wouldn't see this projection. It feels like McShay saw an Alabama linebacker on his list and just automatically penciled him into the first round.

Don't get me wrong — To'o To'o is a really good player who has been an extremely productive SEC linebacker. But he's a bit undersized to be an NFL middle linebacker. Certain areas of his game leave a lot to be desired, too. For example, To'o To'o's ability to diagnose a play can take too long at times. He doesn't always take the best angle to the ball, either.

I definitely think To'o To'o will be drafted next year. But I'm not sold on him being a day one pick — at least as of now. He still has a full season to change my mind.

Featured image via Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

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