Nathaniel “Tank” Dell will remain in Houston after being selected by the Houston Texans 69th overall in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft on Friday. Tank Dell is the first member of the Houston Cougars football team to be taken in this year’s draft.
The Texans acquired the 69th pick and No. 191 (sixth round) from the Los Angeles Rams for the 73rd selection and No. 161 overall (fifth round).
With Dell’s selection, UH has had at least one player taken in eight straight drafts dating back to 2016, according to the program. Dell is the first UH player ever taken by the Texans.
Dell caught 109 passes, which was second in the country, that tallied up 1,398 yards and a nation-best 17 touchdowns in the 2023 season. He was second in the nation in 2023 with 107.5 receiving yards per game, and he also had a punt return touchdown this past year against Tulsa.
Dell’s best game of the season came against SMU and fellow top receiver Rashee Rice. Dell caught 13 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns, which made him the first UH player with over 180 receiving yards and two touchdowns in a road game since Patrick Edwards in 2011.