Thread by @FB_LoneStar

Continuing my Texans rookie breakdown threads! Today we have Houston WR Nathaniel (Tank) Dell!
Thread Below!
#WeAreTexans

Here are Dell’s career stats, testing numbers and RAS score

Wanted to add Dell’s receiving depths and snaps by position for the last 2 seasons!
(2021 left, 2022 right)

I think a good place to start is with Dell’s change of direction abilities, a major benefit of being 165lbs is that you are able to drop your hips, change directions, and accelerate with ease. This ability helps Dell in multiple facets of being a WR! Release, route running, YAC,… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

Getting into Dell’s impressive release package, he uses a multitude of different setups to keep defenders on their toes.

First clip: Dell starts with a wide release, stutter steps, jabs outside then cuts inside. Get’s the DB to trip over his own feet. Didn’t get the ball here,… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

Dell is also a pretty nuanced route runner, does the simple things well that helps him win on the route.

First clip: in the slot Dell starts with a outside jab on the release and breaks inside, running vertical off the LB’s butt then flattens out the route to keep separation… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

Dells release package and route running allow him to be EXTREMELY effective in the red zone. Dell has 23 TD’s in the red zone over the last 2 seasons, almost double the next closest pass catcher (including TE’s). Dalton Kincaid, Rashee Rice along with others tie for 2nd with 12… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

Im going to clump the next two aspects together as they both are integral to the Shanahan style offense the Texans are expected to run. Those aspects being pre snap motion and YAC.

Dell was the pre snap motion WR for UH, and I believe that will continue this role with the… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

Dell has more short area quickness than pure deep speed, but i do think he has some ability to win as a deep threat as seen in this clip. UH would also used Dell as a clear out WR, and the DB’s had to respect it or he would make them pay. He’s also very underrated at ball… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

All of Dell’s negatives have to do with his size. I’m going to break it down into 4 different sections here, the first one obviously being health.

Dell has stayed pretty healthy during his college tenure, playing in 35 games over the last 3 seasons (only 8 games due to covid in… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

Dealing with contact:

First clip press:
Dell didn’t have to deal with many true press snaps at UH as the defenses were terrified of getting beat deep, when he did face press Dell was typically quick enough to avoid the contact, but when the DB can get hands on him it’s a wrap.… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

Catch radius:
being a smaller WR Dell doesn’t have a very big catch radius, he’s not going to be able to extend out of his frame very often to snag catches, nor is he going to be catching many 50/50 balls.

First clip: (slowed to .50) he isn’t able to extend out of his frame to… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

Lastly, and i think this is pretty self explanatory. Dell being 165lbs is smaller than almost every DB in the NFL, he’s just never going to be much of a blocker. Slowik will have to work around keeping him out of these situations.

And then finally just a clip of what Dell brings to the return game!

I think Dell can be classified as a “weapon”. I believe his primary roll is going to be used out of the slot, but will also be used to exploit matchups. Don’t get me confused i DO NOT think Dell will be Deebo Samuel, i do think he will be used in a similar fashion as Deebo was… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…