Tank Dell, Xavier Hutchinson To Improve Texans Depth At Wide Receiver
HOUSTON — One of the top conversations surrounding the Houston Texans in 2023 revolves around which wide receiver will take the helm as the top target in the passing game.
Nico Collins possesses the potential to thrive as the Texans' top receiver. But the possibility of what Collins can be in his third season will depend upon his health.
Houston may not have a wideout who can be deemed as "the primary target," but the Texans have a group of wide receivers who can help create a productive position group. And the acquisition of rookies Tank Dell and Xavier Hutchinson attributed to the promise of the wideout unit.
"They’re a lot more polished than you would expect for a rookie coming in," veteran Noah Brown said. "Tank, and how he plays is much bigger than his size. Hutch [Hutchinson] is a big guy who plays big. I think they can help us in a lot of ways."
Dell and Hutchinson may not become the Texans' top target in the passing game, but each player will enhance Houston's depth.
Over the previous two seasons at the University of Houston, Dell recorded 199 receptions for 2,727 yards and 29 touchdowns. He also contributed to the Cougars' special teams as a kick returner who rushed for 330 yards since 2020.
As a 6-foot-3 prospect, Hutchinson played three seasons for the Iowa State Cyclones after a short stay at Blinn College. He finished his career in the Big 12 with 254 catches for 2,929 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Through OTAs and mandatory minicamp, Dell and Hutchinson have gained the respect of their teammates, which will develop into trust by Week 1 of the 2023 campaign.
"You know those two young guys coming into the league, they were just like me," Collins said. "They’re asking for help, so I’m just helping them out as much as I can. I’m still learning just as [much as] them. So, we’re all kind of in the same boat. Just coming in every day and getting better."
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