By Jordan Long
The 1st-round of the NFL Draft came and went last night. Prior to the Draft, the Ravens locked up quarterback Lamar Jackson who agreed to a new contract. Then with the 22nd overall pick, the Ravens took wide receiver Zay Flowers.
The Ravens receiving core needed a boost. They already have receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Nelson Agholor. Beckham should be the #1 wide receiver on the depth chart. He is going to give Jackson a reliable prime target. Agholor is another guy who the Ravens can count on.
It was a surprise the Ravens looked at the wide receiver position. They knew they had two players for Jackson. Flowers was still on the board and a seemed to be a “can’t miss” pick. The Ravens thought he was the best wide receiver on the board.
Flowers attended Boston College where he played from 2019 to 2022, becoming one of the top receivers in the country. Last season, Flowers caught 78 passes for 1,077 yards, an average yards per catch of 13.8. He also added 12 touchdowns. During his time at Boston College, he recorded 200 receptions for 3,056 yards and 29 touchdowns. His average yards per catch was 15.3.
The Ravens hope Flowers transitions into a great receiver for them. His height at 5 foot 10 is a little undersized but his speed is what is going to help him. If Flowers can break away from NFL defensive backs to be open, Jackson is going to find him. When he catches those passes, those may be large gains.
The Ravens think they have the best wide receiver in the Draft. Flowers must show that. In a few years, if his game doesn’t progress, the Ravens will look at it as a bust. For now, the Ravens have gotten better with this selection.
Leave a Reply