Texans' Tank Dell Becoming Elite Playmaker: Rookie Diary, Chapter 3

In part III of the six-part series 'Rookie Diary,' Tank Dell discusses how he has become an ultimate playmaker for the Houston Texans' offense.

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans' wide receiving corps has been the most surprising position group two games into the 2023 season. Nico Collins is on track for a career year, but Tank Dell has also played an important part in the early season success. 

"Tank, another guy who plays with great energy," coach DeMeco Ryans said. "Tank is growing each and every week. He’s made plays for us. I’m encouraged with Tank. He has the right mindset. He plays football the right way. He plays with a chip on his shoulder, so I’m excited to see Tank progress."

Dell has established himself as a dependable playmaker in the passing game. He has caught 10 balls for 106 yards. And two games into his pro career, the Texans are seeing their draft night gamble on Dell come to fruition.

The Texans traded up from No. 73 to the 69th pick to select Dell during the 2023 NFL Draft. General manager Nick Caserio became fixated on the 5-foot-8 wideout following his impressive display at the 2023 Senior Bowl.

The Texans' Week 2 loss to the Indianapolis Colts was a breakout game for the former University of Houston prospect.

Dell capitalized on the opportunity generated due to Noah Browns' injury by recording 72 yards on seven catches during the 31-20 defeat at NRG Stadium. He recorded his first career touchdown early in the fourth quarter. But if not for a holding penalty, Dell would have finished with two.

His play against the Colts is one of several reasons rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud remains optimistic despite the team's 0-2 start. 

Coming off a game where you recorded your first career touchdown, what was that moment like for you? And what kind of celebration you and Stroud did after the touchdown?

"It was all a blessing, all praise to the most high. It felt good getting into the end zone. It gave the team hope. Scoring an NFL touchdown is a dream come true. But that little dance that C.J. and I did, that is a Cail dance. He came up with it, and I went along with it. It is something we will be doing from now on."

How would you best describe your relationship with Stroud? From the outside looking in, it appears that you and he have developed a great relationship on and off the field.

"C.J., that's my guy. Ever since we first connected, we have been tight. We are always checking in on each other. I know on the field we were going to click. But we have developed a relationship where off the field, we can hang around each other all day and have fun."

When you got drafted, people talked about your size as a huge negative. How are you able to block out the naysayers to become a productive player this early in your career?

"First off, God. I know he got my back through it all. He has been with me every step of the way. And then, I would have to say my confidence, which I feel is hard to break. No matter what happens, I am always going to believe in myself.

"There is nothing no one can say to me. Whatever they say cannot hurt me. It goes into one ear and out of the other. There will always be people out there doubting you. But I like the doubt. It makes me go harder and gives me extra motivation."

The motto during training camp was iron sharpens iron, and nearly every day, we saw you staying after practice working alongside defensive backs Steven Nelson and Derek Stingley Jr. How much do you credit your early season success to the work you put in alongside them?

"They got me ready. I was trying to do everything I could to learn NFL defenses, and they were teaching me. They were telling me things about stuff I could get better at. But it wasn't just with them. I stayed after practice with C.J. and all of the receivers. Our goal was to get that connection down. Coach [Bobby] Slowik has also helped by calling up the right plays."

As a former University of Houston player who played three seasons there, what has the reception been like for you around the city? 

"Man, I love the city of Houston and this fan base. I feel like I'm at home, just like how I would be in Florida. I did not have to get adjusted to a new city. All I had to do was worry about ball. I know where to go. I know where not to go. I know all of the food spots. I know how to move around this city. It has helped me stay focused on ball."

Because you are so well-adjusted to the city, how much of that has played into your rookie progression?

"It has helped a lot. Some people, when they go away, mentally it will bother them. First off, you are in a whole new spot. And then, you have to go out there and learn a whole new playbook. New faces. And new coaches. For me, all I had to do was come and get adjusted to an NFL locker room by learning the plays and focus on football."