Tank Dell

Tank Dell Player Profile

Summary

Tank Dell was selected in the 3rd Round (#69 Overall) in the 2023 Draft out of University of Houston. Dell brings electric quickness, strong route‑running instincts, excellent ball‑tracking and big‑play potential. His biggest hurdles are his smaller stature, physical limitations against stronger defenders, and durability/injury concerns. In a scheme that utilizes his skill set (motion, space, quick‑game, vertical shots) and protections (not overloaded with press man on the outside), he could become a valuable and dynamic contributor.

Strengths

  • Explosive burst and agility: He shows elite quickness in short areas, able to accelerate off the line and change directions with fluidity. Bleacher Report

  • Route‑running relative to size: Despite his smaller frame, Dell demonstrates a refined route‑tree, good hip action, and ability to create separation—especially in the slot or on quick patterns.

  • Ball‑tracking ability & contested catch moments: He has shown the ability to track deep throws, extend beyond his frame, and make some difficult catches. PFSN

  • Big‑play threat / high production: In college, he was extremely productive — e.g., over 100 catches, 1,300+ yards, 15 touchdowns in one season. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Versatility & instincts in space: He can line up in motion, operate out of the slot or boundary, and after the catch he’s slippery in open space.

Weaknesses

  • Size & physicality concerns: At ~5′8″ and ~165 lbs, he is well below the typical size for outside receivers in the NFL, which raises concerns about his ability to absorb contact, play outside, or win contested battles consistently. Bleacher Report

  • Strength and durability in traffic: Because of his frame, he tends to be less effective when pressed at the line or when engaged physically by bigger defensive backs.

  • Separation vs elite press / long‑release defenders: While his short‑area quickness is strong, against higher‑level man coverage (especially press) his small size and reach limit him. PFSN

  • Breakaway deep speed and blocking: Though fast and agile, his timed speed is not elite for his frame, and his smaller build limits how much impact he can have as a blocker or on plays where physicality is required. PFSN

  • Repeated injury risk: He suffered injuries early in his NFL career (e.g., fractured fibula in rookie year) and has been largely unavailable.

Fit & Outlook

Dell projects as a high‑ceiling, slot/outside hybrid receiver who can excel in space, on quick game concepts, and as a vertical option in the right scheme. Because of his size, his most comfortable role early on is likely as a secondary receiver who creates mismatches and explosive plays. If he improves his strength, durability and ability to win contested catches, he could become a more full‑time starter and even posture as a key weapon. That said, his ceiling may be somewhat constrained by his physical profile: he may not become the prototypical outside “X” receiver who wins purely on size and contested catches, but rather a dynamic “Y/Z/slot” type who offers big‑play value.