Nathaniel Dell  |  Houston 5’9” 171 lbs.  |  08/12/2001 (23)

Nathaniel Dell was drafted by the Houston Texans, becoming the ninth wide receiver and 69th overall player in the 2023 NFL Draft.

COLLEGE PRODUCTION

Nathaniel “Tank” Dell put up video game numbers for the Cougars. In his sophomore year, he posted 1329 yards and 12 touchdowns. In his junior year, he exploded for 1398 yards and 17 touchdowns. His 21.1 career college fantasy points per game were second in this class. He also posted excellent results in key predictive metrics for future fantasy success like receiving yards per team pass attempt (2.90) and college-weighted dominator (36.2%).

FILM

STRENGTHS

Nathaniel “Tank” Dell is consistent with the new wave of undersized wide receivers recently ushered into the NFL. Jaylen Waddle, DeVonta Smith, Justin Jefferson, Chris Olave, Rondale Moore, and Elijah Moore are redefining what it means to be a “prototype” wide receiver. Route running and the ability to create separation are being prioritized over physical size.

Dell is a chronic separator with lethal open-field moves. He was one of the hot names at the Senior Bowl in Mobile consistently breaking ankles. Dell is high on the twitch scale with the ability to shake defenders with ease. His open-field running is reminiscent of Kadarius Toney with the jukes and spins. He has great burst and speed variation to create separation.

WEAKNESSES 

As far as weaknesses, Dell will be relegated to being a slot receiver in the NFL due to his size.

He will have issues with more physical cornerbacks in press coverage.

ATHLETIC TESTING

Dell’s weak spot outside of size is a lack of elite athleticism. His 40-yard dash time of 4.49 for his height is just average for a top prospect. He did not participate in agility testing which we thought to be one of his strengths so that is a concern. His broad jump of 10 ft 1 inch was just average as well.

DRAFT ANALYSIS 

Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Excellent

Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Excellent

Dell was selected with the 69th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans. 

FANTASY INSIGHTS

As a Dell truther, I was very happy with Dell’s draft capital and his landing spot. We saw what numbers Jaxon Smith-Njigba put up from the slot next to superstars Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson with C.J. Stroud as his quarterback. 

Dell should be available in the late third or fourth rounds of rookie drafts and I will be very interested if that turns out to be the case.

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