Texans Camp Notebook: Tank Dell Living Up To Draft 'Gamble'?

Six days into training camp, the Houston Texans are reaping the benefits of their draft 'gamble' in rookie wide receiver Tank Dell.

HOUSTON — Nathaniel "Tank" Dell Jr. sent the Houston Texans a message on Instagram in late December. "Don't let me leave the city," Dell wrote. And nearly four months to the day after he messaged the Texans, Houston traded up from No. 73 to the 69th pick to select Dell during the 2023 NFL Draft.

'When I saw that Houston area code on my phone, I was so excited, I could have ran to the stadium," Dell said."I wanted to be with this team and the coaching staff. I wanted to be here." 

While Dell prayed to stay in Houston, general manager Nick Caserio became fond of the Florida native after noticing him during the 2023 Senior Bowl in Alabama. Caserio said in April that nobody could cover him at the Senior Bowl and described Dell as one of the most offensive-skilled players in the country.

Over the previous two seasons at the University of Houston, Dell recorded 199 receptions for 2,727 yards and 29 touchdowns. He also contributed to the Cougars' special teams as a kick returner who rushed for 330 yards since 2020. 

The Florida prospect has described Houston as home. And six days into Dell's first training camp, the Texans are seeing their gamble on draft night come to fruition. Nearly every day at the Houston Methodist Training Center, Dell has been one of a handful of receivers who have made plays during 11-on-11 drills.

"He’s extremely fun to coach," offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik said. "He is a joy to coach. I think I mentioned in the offseason just how hungry he is, how much he prepares, and he knows how much he has to prepare just [in] how different this was in college."

The offense struggled heavily during Day 6: Dell's production during Day 6 of camp was modest. But outside of a deep ball connection between quarterback Davis Mills and wide receiver Nico Collins, the offense had their worst day of practice. 

Whether 11-on-11 or situational play, the offense struggled to move the chains. Most of the offense's lousy production came due to insufficiencies at quarterback. 

While Mills struggled to find consistency, C.J. Stroud had the same issues but increased his interception total. During 11-on-11 play, Steven Nelson picked off Stroud's pass attempt to Dell. The play at quarterback is far from what Slowik envisioned as the team's new offensive coordinator.

"The vision for that [quarterback] position is just getting the ball out and getting completions, making sure we’re efficient in what we’re doing," Slowik said. "Getting the ball in our playmakers’ hands, and we’ve got some that are out there performing at wideout, at running back, at tight end, so right now, the emphasis for that position, in particular, is just efficiency." 

The defense continues its domination: Six days into camp, the defense has been the biggest winner. The front seven have improved their run defense, while the secondary has played a significant role in the quarterbacks' dreadful performances by making plays on the ball.

Defensive coordinator Matt Burke has been impressed by how well the defense has adjusted to the new system. And the early buy-in has established a foundation for the defense to lean upon in 2023.

"I have been impressed by all of the groups," Burke said. "The D-Line, what they are doing from aiming and attacking standpoint. We are putting a lot of the linebackers, and DeMeco has a ton of guys he spends time with. With the secondary, it has been their communication. The way they have been attacking the ball, I've been impressed with all of the groups."

Ryans' swarm mentality relies upon the defense's ability to create takeaways. The emphasis Ryans has placed on the defensive strategy has led to eight force turnovers over the past six days. Nelson's play against Stroud marked his third pick of camp, which has him leading the team in interceptions. 

"That’s what we want from this defense – the swarm," Ryans said. "I love to see our guys swarming. That’s what it’s all about. With our defense, it’s really not about me. 

"It’s about the players out there who are doing the work and when you see guys like Jimmie Ward, Jalen Pitre, Christian Harris, ‘Sting’ [Derek Stingley Jr.] making plays and guys are focused and intent on being deliberate, of attacking the ball – that’s what Houston Texans defense will look like."

QUICK HITS

- Fullback Troy Hairston and tight end Dalton Schultz missed their second consecutive practice after leaving camp on Sunday with injuries. Linebacker Christian Kirksey (lower leg) and tight end Brevin Jordan also remained sidelined due to their respective injuries. 

- The Texans welcomed another set of guests to training camp practice. University of Houston's coach Dana Holgorsen and Texas South University's coach Clarence McKinney were in attendance watching from the sideline.

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