2023 NFL Draft: Nathaniel Dell Scouting Report

After an injury-riddled freshman season at Alabama A&M in 2018, the dynamic and diminutive wide receiver Nathaniel “Tank” Dell transferred to Independence Community College. During his single season at Independence, Dell showed great versatility and production as both a receiver and kick returner. Dell finished the 2019 season with 52 catches for 766 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.

Dell once again transferred in 2020, this time to the University of Houston, where he found immediate success. In his first season with the Cougars, he led the team in both catches (29) and receiving yards (428). Dell made a significant leap the next season, and earned first-team All-American Athletic Conference honors for his excellence. He paced the team in receptions (90), receiving yards (1,329), and receiving touchdowns (12).

Dell’s production and utilization increased even further last season, as he was the national leading receiver in both receiving yards (13,98) and receiving touchdowns (17). After Dell decided to skip his senior season to enter the 2023 NFL Draft, he projects to be a versatile and explosive receiving weapon at the next level.

Strengths

Exceptional burst and explosiveness – big play ability;

Short-area quickness;

Versatile offensive threat; has shown ability to play in slot, on the outside, and in the backfield;

Elite change of direction ability, fluidity coming out of his routes;

Extremely productive player – naturally instinctive playmaker;

Really good ball-tracking skills and balanced body control.

Weaknesses

Limited size – Dell’s small frame leads to concerns about long-term health and durability;

Struggled more against press coverage;

Mostly ran out of the slot in college – questions about whether he can succeed as the outside receiver;

Ran a limited route tree at Houston, could be restricted to specialist role in NFL;

Has a small catch radius – shorter arms and overall wingspan;

Questions about his speed after he ran an underwhelming 4.49 40 yard dash at combine.

NFL Comparison: Tavon Austin

Projection: Round 3-4

Bottom Line on Nathaniel Dell

In spite of the excellent collegiate production and dynamic playmaking abilities Dell showed at Houston, there are serious questions about how his game will translate to the next level. At his short height and small frame, Dell could especially have difficulty staying healthy while adapting to the increased physicality he will see in the NFL.

However, Dell is absolutely electric with the ball in his hands, and has shown the ability to produce in a wide variety of offensive positions and formations. With his fluid route-running and receiving skills, Dell has the talent to be a real impactful player in the NFL, whether that be as a receiver or as a playmaker in the return game.

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Nathaniel Dell 2023 NFL Draft Profile