Texans Rookie WR Tank Dell: What's His Role?

Texans rookie receiver Tank Dell was stellar as a receiver and returner at the University of Houston. Can he do it again this year?

The Houston Texans selected receiver Nathaniel "Tank" Dell with the 69th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, hoping to add some depth to a position that PFF tabbed as the worst in the league.

Dell didn't have to travel far after being selected as he played college football at the University of Houston. Dell was a starting receiver in 2021 and 2022, recording a combined 199 receptions for 2,727 yards and 29 touchdowns. He was No. 1 in the American Athletic Conference in each of those stat categories for both years.

Dell's quick-cutting and explosive movements are what really sticks out about the prospect. Scouts say he's an excellent route runner at all three levels and gains separation from defensive backs consistently. With that being said, the 5-foot-8, 165-pounder will line up in the slot when he's on the gridiron.

The Texans starting receiver group seems to already be established with Nico Collins, Robert Woods and John Metchie III. Tank Dell, Noah Brown and Xavier Hutchinson will likely be the next group up. However, if you noticed, the best receiver isn't much better than the worst, so it is very possible Dell gets a decent amount of snaps this season.

Dell also got involved with the special teams unit as he returned 18 kickoffs for 330 yards and 10 punts for 153 yards and a touchdown over his collegiate career. Not only does NFL.com believe Dell will start as a return specialist, but they also included him as a preseason All-Rookie favorite.

“The wide receiver will likely be a factor on offense in Year 1 with the Texans,” says NFL.com. “But he could also land on all-rookie squads as a returner, having handled such duties throughout his three college seasons with Houston. Willing to head directly upfield after securing the ball, Dell uses his quick feet and fearlessness to explode through holes and fight through arm tackles.”

Based on his stellar collegiate career, there is a strong possibility that Dell will be heavily involved in both the receiving and returning games during his rookie campaign. ... with fellow rookie C.J. Stroud - the QB who happens to be a Tank fan - a key to the question of "how soon?''

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