Rookie Scouting Profile: Tank Dell

FullTime Fantasy Rookie Scouting Profile: Tank Dell

Nathaniel “Tank” Dell (WR) Houston

Height	Weight	40-Time	DOB	NFL Draft	Dynasty ADP	NFL Comp
5-8	165	4.49	10/29/1999	Round 3.06	4.12	Darnell Mooney

College Production

Dell committed to Alabama A&M after graduating from Mainland High School in Florida. Unfortunately, he suffered an injury in the first game of his redshirt season in 2018, limiting him to only four games (12 receptions for 364 yards, averaging 30.3 yards per catch, with three touchdowns). In 2019, Dell transferred to Independence Community College, where he performed well, recording 52 receptions for 766 yards and eight touchdowns. He also contributed as a kick returner, with 12 returns for 394 yards and an average of 32.8 yards per return. Dell then transferred to Houston.

In 2020, Dell started in all eight games for the Cougars, finishing with 29 receptions for 428 yards (14.8 yards per catch) and three touchdowns. He also demonstrated his skills as a kick returner, returning five kicks for 129 yards, averaging 25.8 yards per return.

Dell had an outstanding season in 2021, leading the AAC with 90 receptions, 1,329 receiving yards (averaging 14.8 yards per catch), and 12 receiving touchdowns. He started in 13 out of the 14 games played, earning first-team all-conference honors. Additionally, Dell contributed as a kick returner, with 13 returns for 201 yards (15.5 yards per return).

In 2022, he continued his success, being recognized as a third-team Associated Press All-American and a first-team All-AAC selection. Dell caught 109 passes for 1,398 yards (12.8 yards per catch) and 17 touchdowns in 13 starts. He even scored a touchdown on a punt return, totaling 9 returns for 153 yards (17.0 yards per return).

The Dynasty Football World Championships Orphans are now on sale! Click HERE to enter the Orphans lobby and get teams up to 50% OFF!

Strengths

• Highly productive receiver: Led the country in the past two years with over 2,700 yards and 29 touchdowns.

• Quick acceleration and excellent straight-line speed.

• Displays strong ball-tracking skills and exhibits control when adjusting to off-target throws.

• Precise and sharp route runner who avoids rounding corners.

• Versatile receiver capable of playing in the slot.

• Natural playmaker with great ball-handling abilities.

• Effective in catch-and-run situations, swiftly transitioning upfield after receptions.

Concerns

• Limited size: Standing at just 5’9″ and weighing 163 lbs, Dell appears frail, raising concerns about his ability to compete against larger defensive backs.

• Vulnerable against press coverage, as he can be easily overpowered and neutralized by physical cornerbacks.

• Short arms and wingspan, resulting in a small catch radius.

• Limited experience in running a diverse route tree due to his involvement in a wide-open spread offense.

• Insufficient size to consistently win matchups on the outside, but can still be productive in the middle of the field and as a returner.

Fantasy Outlook

In terms of fantasy outlook, Dell has the potential to contribute to the Houston Texans as a valuable weapon. However, it is unlikely that he will receive enough opportunities and targets to become a consistently reliable option for fantasy football. Therefore, it would not be advisable to rely on him for significant fantasy value in the 2023 season.

The Texans already have other capable wide receivers in their lineup, including Nico Collins, Robert Woods, and John Metchie, a second-round pick from the 2022 draft. While this group may not be exceptional, it provides enough depth and talent that Dell will have to compete for a role within the team. Given this situation, the Texans don’t need to heavily rely on Dell, further reducing his potential impact in fantasy football in 2023.

Check out where TANK DELL lands in Scott Atkins’ Updated Dynasty Football Rankings.

Also, see where Jody Smith ranks him in his 2023 Superflex Rookie Rankings.