Texans Rookie WR Tank Dell Impressing Veteran Robert Woods

Houston Texans rookie wide receiver Tank Dell has left a great first impression on veteran Robert Woods during OTAs.

HOUSTON — Will Anderson Jr. and C.J. Stroud have headlined the 2023 Draft Class for the Houston Texans. Stroud was Houston's highest selection with the No. 2 pick of the draft, while the Texans gave up a massive haul for Anderson at three.

But the next prominent prospect has to be wide receiver, Tank Dell. At the end of his collegiate career at the University of Houston, Dell messaged the Texans' social media page asking to remain home. 

The Texans turned his wish into reality as a third-round pick (No. 69). And after one week of OTAs, Dell has left an eminent impression on veteran wide receiver Robert Woods.

"From a receiver standpoint, good technician, good feet, good hands — you see him run his routes crisp with his feet," Woods said. "He has all the physical abilities to be able to play in this league, fast, quick, really just want him to be able to have an impact right away."

Over the last three seasons, Dell recorded 3,155 yards and 32 touchdowns on 228 catches with the Cougars.

But at 5-foot-8, Dell's stature was the lone negative knock against him entering the draft. However, Woods has a belief that Dell would be able to benefit from his size at the next level. 

His faith comes after playing two seasons alongside Brandin Cooks as members of the Los Angeles Rams. 

Cooks has constructed a successful career as a wideout with an undersized stature at 5-foot-10. And during his three-year stint with the Texans, Cooks took the helm as Houston's No. 1 option in the passing game.

"He's [Dell] very agile," Wood said. "Being a smaller guy, being able to put his foot in the ground and change direction, accelerate right away, mismatch against linebackers, of course, bigger corners, and he's shifty enough to mix up well with the smaller DBs."

Woods' depiction of Dell coincides with quarterback Davis Mills, who described the U of H prospect as "explosive." General manager Nick Caserio said following Day 2 of the draft Tank became a target for the Texans after his impressive outing at the Senior Bowl in Alabama.

Dell made a pair of receptions during 11-on-11 drills Tuesday morning at the Houston Methodist Training Center. One of Dell's catches came following a deep-ball pass attempt from Stroud.

---

You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24

Want the latest in breaking and insider news for the Houston Texans? Click Here

Follow Texans Daily on Twitter and Facebook

Make sure to subscribe to our daily podcast @LockedOnTexans today! Click here To Listen.

Want even more Houston Texans news? Check out the SI.com team page here.