Is Texans LB Henry To'oTo'o a 'Rookie Sleeper' Next Season?
For Houston Texans fans, the 2023 NFL season could not come sooner.
The draft is concluded, the schedules are released and now the OTA's have started, marking one step closer for Texans coach DeMeco Ryans to making his coaching debut as the face of his new franchise.
Ryans has brought a number of new faces to his coaching staff, and together, he and GM Nick Caserio have done the same roster-wise through the draft and free agency signings.
But of all the new faces set to suit up in a Texans uniform next season, the question of who may make the biggest impact remains, though linebacker Henry To’oTo’o is certainly up for consideration.
"Wherever he's played he's been productive," Caserio said. "He's [been] a captain, a leader, [he's] ran a defense. He's highly productive and instinctive, so there's a lot good qualities [we can look forward to]."
The four-year starter — both for Alabama and Tennessee — made his presence felt on the defensive end, totaling 353 tackles eight sacks and a forced fumble during his time in college. Despite his obvious talent, however, To'oTo'o wasn't taken until the 167th pick of the draft in the fifth round.
Clutch Points named To’oTo’o as Houston's "best rookie sleeper" ahead of next season, asserting that what the Texans will get from him considering his low draft position is enough to consider him a hidden gem of sorts.
"To’oTo’o’s ... overall talent and his time at the high-level collegiate programs can give him an advantage when trying to fit in with a system under the team’s new coaching staff," the site wrote. "Linebacker Denzel Perryman, a potential starter for Houston, during the 2022-23 season, will become an unrestricted free agent in 2024 if the Texans choose not to re-sign him next season, To’oTo’o can prove to be a solid fit at the linebacker spot if his success [in college] can translate to the NFL."
The keyword "if" will come into play heavily during his rookie season. To'oTo'o has the talent and the passion for his game.
And for a linebacker with a ringing endorsement from Nick Saban, the Texans like where they are if a player like To'oTo'o was their best option in the fifth round because he very well could make a large impact next season.
“Henry is one of those guys that gets it," Saban said in September. "He sees [the game] almost like a coach. He’s a great communicator, so I think because he makes calls up front, that really makes the other part of the front seven feel more comfortable and confident in what they’re doing and how we can execute together as a group.”
The Houston Texans begin their 2023-24 season on the road on Sunday, Sept. 10 against the Baltimore Ravens.
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