Undersized WR Dell more than just a flash for offense
Texans rookie receiver Tank Dell wears a necklace emboldened with the word “FLASH.” It evokes a certain perception, and Dell happily obliges with acrobatic catches, dazzling runs and clutch touchdowns.
But it’s Dell’s willingness to make the plays that don’t show up in highlight reels or box scores that has endeared him most to coaches and teammates.
Dell caught the gamewinning 15-yard touchdown pass from quarterback C.J. Stroud to complete a dramatic comeback win over Tampa Bay on Sunday.
Afterward, Stroud lauded Dell’s “great catch” and “nasty routes.”
But what also did not get overlooked was Dell lunging his body toward the midsection of Bucs cornerback Zyon McCollum around midfield as an unexpected blocker to spring receiver Noah Brown free for a 75-yard touchdown on the Texans’ first drive of the second half.
“He’s just willing to go in there and do whatever he’s got to do,” Brown said. “I respect him for that. Appreciate that. I think that’s why he’s special. He’ll go across the middle and make a catch.
He’ll throw a block. He’s doing what he’s got to do. I think that’s his own wantto right there.”
Dell grew up with an underdog mentality. Almost always the smallest player on the field, being overlooked and underappreciated has induced a mountain-sized chip on the shoulder of the 5foot-8, 165-pounder.
Daikiel Shorts, Dell’s position coach at the University of Houston, once said Dell plays with zero fear in his heart. It didn’t take long for the Texans to see it the same way.
“You put on the tape, I don’t think Tank knows he’s that size,” Brown said.
Drafted with the 70th selection in the third round by the Texans in April, Dell has 28 receptions for 454 yards and four touchdowns in seven games this year. That production might be a surprise to some. Not the Texans.
“For me, Tank hasn’t impressed me much. It’s still the same kid I saw at UH,” coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Those plays he made at UH, it’s just the same plays he’s making here for us. He was exciting to watch as a college prospect and it’s the same, standing back and watching him on the sideline. It’s always impressive.”
Ryans said Dell is an explosive playmaker who shows up every Sunday. That means competing even when the ball doesn’t fly his way. It means making plays for others.
Plays like the block that freed Brown. Or stepping up in the run game to block safeties who are bigger — much bigger — and stronger.
“He’s going to step in there and give you everything he has, every single game,” Ryans said. “That’s what I love about Tank.”
As his numbers pile up, Dell is getting more attention for the different ways he can move the chains. His speed, craftiness and never-back-down nature have made him a fan favorite. Being a Coog doesn’t hurt, either.
Dell is even becoming a social media sensation due to his “Squabble” touchdown celebration dances with Stroud.
But for a team like the Texans, desperate to establish a winning culture and right the ways of a franchise gone astray, it’s the little things that matter.
The little things that make up the big things. The little things Dell prides himself on as a ‘true competitor,’ Ryans said.
“Always going to step up and make a big play for you,” Ryans said. “Guys rally around him because you know he’s going to provide a spark to our team at any given moment.”