Texans' under-the-radar rookie predicted to have big season in 2023
For the first time in a few seasons, the Texans have a ton of exciting young talent. The team made waves in the 2023 NFL Draft by adding quarterback CJ Stroud and then trading up for edge defender Will Anderson Jr. With a new coaching staff, new QB, and several new defenders, it's easy to […]
For the first time in a few seasons, the Texans have a ton of exciting young talent.
The team made waves in the 2023 NFL Draft by adding quarterback CJ Stroud and then trading up for edge defender Will Anderson Jr. With a new coaching staff, new QB, and several new defenders, it's easy to be optimistic.
However, one NFL writer is intrigued by a different Texan.
Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports recently picked one player from each AFC team that could have an under-the-radar breakout season.
For Houston, Sullivan selected rookie receiver, Tank Dell. Dell was selected in the third round of the draft out of Houston and was one of the most productive receivers in college last season.
Regarding Dell, Sullivan said the following:
The Texans selected Dell in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Houston, and the wideout has reportedly been opening eyes throughout OTAs. He's been working with the second-team offense, but if he continues to shine, it wouldn't be surprising to see him push for some reps with the starters. Houston doesn't have an array of pass-catching talent on the roster, which makes Dell's ascent as a rookie even more plausible. During his final collegiate season, Dell hauled in 109 catches for 1,398 yards.
Dell seemingly has a reasonable route to playing time in 2023. Nico Collins, John Metchie III, and Robert Woods are currently listed as the starters in Houston.
Collins showed promising signs before getting injured in 2022, Woods is a solid veteran, and Metchie was a top receiver prospect before an ACL injury and Leukemia diagnosis. As Sullivan points out, there is no true number-one receiver on the roster.
With a strong summer showing, Dell could easily win the slot receiver job. There are concerns about Dell's slight frame, but that did not prevent him from dominating in college.
Dell collected 109 catches for 1,398 yards and 17 TDs. The shifty receiver has no problem getting open and could become a security blanket for his young QB.
Don't be surprised if Dell ends up as the most productive receiver in Houston in 2023.
Feature image via © Trevor Ruszkowski | 2023 Mar 3
