Texans trade up to select Houston WR Nathaniel Dell in third round

The Houston Texans  moved up to the 69th spot in the NFL Draft on Friday, swapping places with the Los Angeles Rams. In exchange, Los Angeles receives pick Nos. 73 and 151, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network (Twitter link). Houston has used the pick to add wide receiver Nathaniel Dell.

Dell, nicknamed ‘Tank,’ put together a highly productive career at the University of Houston. Between the 2021 and 2022 campaigns, he totaled 199 catches, 2,727 receiving yards and 29 touchdowns. He led the AAC in receiving in each of those seasons and led the country in receiving yards last year.

Those massive figures made him one of the top options in this year’s receiver class. Questions have understandably been asked, though, about his ability to translate his production to the NFL level. Dell’s frame (5-8, 165 pounds) is likely to limit his usage to the slot in the pro game.

Still, he should be able to find a role with the Texans, a team which lacked in pass-catchers last season. They added veteran Robert Woods in free agency and have 2022 second-rounder John Metchie on track to make his NFL debut off of injury this coming season, but shipped lead receiver Brandin Cooks to the Dallas Cowboys earlier this offseason. Dell will add further to a Houston offense which has now made a number of additions during the draft.

The most impactful of those came with the team's selection of Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud second overall. The Buckeyes alum will be tasked with solidifying the quarterback position for the long-term, something which should be made easier with an improved skill-position group. If he can overcome the aforementioned size concerns, the former Cougar could prove to be a highly effective addition for the Texans.