ITH 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Houston WR Nathaniel "Tank" Dell

Player Information:

Name: Nathaniel “Tank” Dell

School: Houston

Position: WR

Jersey #: 1

Alignment/Scheme: X, Z

Games Watched: Vs SMU, Memphis, Texas Tech

Major Factors: # Notes:

Grading Scale:       9 - Special  8 - All-Pro  7.5 - Pro Bowler  7 - Good Starter  6.5 - Avg. Starter  6 - Good Backup  5.5 - Role Player  5 - Developmental

Athletic Ability: 8 Dell is extremely quick and twitchy. His ability to build up speed and settle at the drop of a dime is one of his primary abilities. Has exceptional speed to separate with the ball in his hands. Can climb the ladder to grab the ball. Has return ability.

Strength & Explosion: 6 Not extremely strong, but despite his small frame, he plays much larger than his size. Isn’t easily knocked off routes and positions himself well against larger defenders.

Competes: 9 Extreme competitor. One of the best players on the field in most games. In his biggest matchups, Dell often dominated the game with multiple touchdown games. 

Production: 9 In three seasons at Houston, Dell dominated the competition. In 33 total games played at Houston, Dell scored 31 touchdowns. This number is mind-boggling considering that in the course of two seasons, he scored 19 of those touchdowns in 9 games. When Dell was targeted, he often was unstoppable in conference and out. 

Mental/Learning: 8 An immediate starter at Houston, Dell entered Houston by way of Junior College after transferring from Alabama A&M prior to the 2020 season. 

Injury History: 9 Very tough player, who did not miss a single snap in his final two years. 

Player Summary:

Report: Players with smaller stature are typically more difficult to evaluate because of the consideration of their play projecting to a league with larger and faster players. However, Houston’s Tank Dell has displayed his pure ability in three seasons. 

After settling in his first season, he went on to dominate the American Conference for the next two years. In 25 games, Dell scored in every one except 5. This type of domination cannot be ignored especially considering the ability. 

Dell’s accolades include: Team Captain, National leader in receiving touchdowns (17), National Leader in receiving yards (1398), National Leader in games with a receiving touchdown (11), Biletnikoff Semifinalist

Strengths: Dell is a possession machine. In today’s NFL, the smaller, diminutive receivers are no longer just considered possession slot receivers. They have transformed offenses to line the playmakers in the best spots for the scheme. With a player like Dell, he can catch the ball from anywhere on the field. His hands are outstanding and exceptionally strong. On film, I rarely saw the ball come into his body. His extension at the catch point is rare for his size as well. He is 5’10 and his catch radius makes up for his height. Elite awareness on the field as he is able to make sideline catches routinely.  As a route runner, Dell is patient in his routes, but he gets to the point quickly. His pace in his routes often puts defenders in awkward coverage situations. He has an uncanny ability to put defenders out of position with his stop-and-start. 

Weaknesses: Obviously Dell’s size can be considered a knock against his game, however, he overcomes it with his strengths. Dell is not a blocker, but with his big play ability, he requires eyes from the entire secondary at all times which can open up the offense. He is a one-on-one nightmare for any defensive back. He is not extremely fast for his size. More quickness than speed. 

Pro Comparison: Antonio Brown

Round/Grade: 2nd Round 

ITH Writer/COO

-By: LeMarkus Bailey