Nathaniel "Tank" Dell gets to stay in town.
The University of Houston wide receiver was chosen in the third round Friday night by the Texans after another trade. The 69th overall pick, Dell was chosen by Houston after they dealt a third-rounder (73rd overall) and fifth-rounder (161st overall) to the Rams for the 69th and a sixth (191st overall).
Nicknamed "Tank" by his mother because he had a big head as a baby, the 5-8, 165-pounder led all of college football the last two seasons with a combined 199 receptions for 2,727 yards and 29 touchdowns. An electric pass-catcher on offense, and punt/kickoff returner on special teams, Dell was elated to get the call from the Texans. He described what fans can expect from him on the field.
"They for sure can expect some excitement," Dell said. "I'm coming to give them everything I got."
Before he was drafted, Dell got in touch with the second overall pick, Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud. He didn't hesitate to let the signal-caller know he wanted to join him at NRG Stadium.
"Just make sure they come up and draft me," Dell told Stroud. "I told him I wanted to play with him. I told him we'll have fun together for sure."
Dell was also quick to emphasize his desire to contribute in the return game.
"I feel like I add a lot of value to the special teams," Dell said. "Just being electric with the ball in my hands. I know how to read the field. I'm quick. I'm fast. If you think I'm stuck, I can get out of some things. Explosiveness."
Dell was the fourth player chosen by the Texans in the 2023 NFL Draft. Houston still has six picks remaining on Saturday, including two at the top of the fourth round, 104th and 105th overall.
