The Houston Texans currently have an embarrassing selection at the wide receiver position. Perceptions can always change, but right now the team arguably has three top-tier wide receivers: Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins and Tank Dell. The trio will be a formidable force in the NFL, with many already calling them the best trio in the league. They are so well-rounded that Diggs’ arrival has left many pundits confused.
When Dell emerged as a rookie, everyone thought the Texans would just roll everything back in 2024. Then came the Diggs trade. One of the few criticisms people had about the trade was how it would affect Dell. Everyone pointed out that Diggs would take away opportunities for the second-year receiver, but that the trade made the team better overall.
When you think about how Diggs’ arrival could negatively impact Dell, it’s clear that many people see Dell as the player he could be. Certainly, you couldn’t find another No. 3 wide receiver in the league that you could choose over a guy like Diggs. If Diggs went to another team, no one would mind if he took opportunities away from the team’s third wide receiver.
That’s only a problem in Houston, because they believe Dell was on the same level as Collins last year. That means two No. 1 wide receivers. There isn’t a third wide receiver in the league right now that has the same aura around him.
Yet one magazine ranked Dell third in its list of the NFL’s best wide receivers. Tyler Boyd of the Tennessee Titans and Gabe Davis of the Jacksonville Jaguars outperformed their division rivals. It’s a shocking sight, as many would choose Dell over any of those receivers, and then some.
Dell will have to prove that his season-ending injury in 2023 won’t negatively affect him in 2024. Assuming he stays healthy, Dell will shine next season and prove those who doubted him wrong. And with Diggs only on a one-year deal, it’s likely Dell won’t be the No. 3 receiver for long.
