The list of receivers in the general area of 5-foot-8 and 165 pounds leans toward gadget guys as opposed to legitimate outside targets. When you’re that small, you’re generally not expected to deal with bigger, more physically dominant cornerbacks; you’re generally best off exploiting open space from the slot or the backfield.
The Houston Texans have had a different plan with rookie receiver Nathanial “Tank” Dell. The Houston alum has caught 15 passes on 23 targets for 251 yards and two touchdowns, and where he’s catching those passes is pretty interesting. Through his first three NFL games, Dell has lined up in the slot on just 27 snaps, and 74 outside. And all three of his explosive plays have come out of an outside alignment.
