Houston Texans' Nick Caserio Opens Up About Tank Dell's Early NFL Career

Houston Texans executive vice president and general manager Nick Caserio believes rookie receiver Tank Dell has "a great attitude," but reveals some crucial keys that he still needs to see from him.

The Houston Texans 3-3 start has far exceeded the NFL world's expectations, as they've already matched last year's win total heading into the bye week.

Texans executive vice president and general manager Nick Caserio is one of the many members of the organization to thank for Houston's offseason additions, especially in the draft department with talented rookies like quarterback C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr.

However, one other rookie that's gone above and beyond is receiver Tank Dell. The 23-year-old shined both as a pass-catcher and kick/punt returner at the University of Houston, and Caserio believes he's "no different from the March process, to the spring and to where we are now."

Tank Dell vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars / © Morgan Tencza-USA TODAY Sports

"Tank has got a great attitude, cares a lot about football, cares a lot about winning," Caserio said during Tuesday's press conference. "He's very competitive, driven and motivated. Love having him on the team. Love his mindset, love his attitude, and he's producing when he's been on the field.

Caserio explained that having the right mindset and producing on the field are keys for players "to get more opportunity." He knew what he was getting in the versatile and explosive speedster, despite him being a third-round pick.

Nevertheless, as much as the rookie is hitting Caserio's keys, the general manager believes that the "biggest thing" is if Dell and other young players "can sustain it over a long period of time."

"Anybody can go out there for a week or two, make a few plays, fill up the stat sheet," Caserio said. "Can you do it the next week, can you do it the following week, can you do it over the duration of the year, can you stay on the field, can you be durable, can you be available? Those are the things that will be important."

In five games, Dell has hauled in 19-of-28 receptions for 324 yards and two touchdowns. His 17.1 yards per reception is the 10th-most in the NFL. Fellow Texans receiver Nico Collins has the second-most in that category with 18.9 yards per reception.

Dell sustained a concussion during Week 5's matchup against the Atlanta Falcons and missed Week 6's battle with the New Orleans Saints because of it. His status is uncertain at this time for Week 8, but he has a lot more time to recover with the bye.