The Houston Texans needed to address receiver in the 2023 NFL draft, and they did so by making sure a former Houston Cougar didn’t leave the city.
Third-rounder Tank Dell brings an element to the Texans’ offense on par with former slot receiver Danny Amendola with his 5-8, 165-pound frame. Even though considered undersized, Dell has been able to showcase his skill for the Texans’ veteran receivers throughout organized team activities.
Robert Woods met with reporters May 23 and was complimentary of Dell.
“I would say from a receiver standpoint, good technician, good feet, good hands,” said Woods. “You see him run his routes really crisp with his feet. For me, just give Tank confidence knowing he could do it at this level, believe in himself. Obviously, 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.”
Dell was productive in his final year with the Cougars as he caught 109 passes for 1,398 yards and 17 touchdowns through 13 games.
Woods doesn’t consider Dell’s diminutive vital statistics to be an issue.
Said Woods: “I mean, he’s very agile. 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.”
The pro game takes time for receivers to transition. Nevertheless a receiving corps featuring Nico Collins for possession, Woods stretching the field, and Dell in space may be enough weapons to help rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud make an appropriate and effective transition to the NFL.
