The Houston Texans shopped local for receiver in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft.
The Texans took former Houston Cougars wideout Tank Dell with the 69th overall pick in Round 3. The selection ensures that Dell will be able to stay with a team he campaigned to keep him just six days after his collegiate career came to a close.
According to Chris Trapasso from CBS Sports, the Texans earned a B-minus grade for their selection of Dell.
Tiny, ultra-twitchy, productive wideout who runs sharp routes and is a fun but not otherworldly WR after the catch. Serious Diontae Johnson vibes. I’m all for loading up at WR for C.J. Stroud.
Dell does have some size concerns at 5-8, 165 pounds, according to his measurements at the NFL combine in early March. However, Dell does have 4.49 speed and was highly productive with the Cougars in his final season. The 23-year-old generated 109 catches for 1,398 yards and 17 touchdowns through 13 games for Houston.
The Texans are hoping to get a slot receiver similar to what the New England Patriots had throughout Tom Brady’s career with receivers Wes Welker, Danny Amendola, and Julian Edelman. Combine Dell’s potential with rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, and the Texans’ passing game should be able to take a leap in 2023.
