Zay Flowers

Flowers is a tremendously talented rookie that projects to be a quality slot receiver in this Ravens offense moving forward.
The first-round NFL draft pick has plenty of long-term upside, but his path to fantasy relevance in 2023 is obscured by a glut of target competition on the Ravens’ depth chart. We consider him a stronger dynasty asset than redraft target, though steady camp buzz may bubble into putting Flowers firmly on the redraft radar.
What We Learned Last YearFlowers was selected by the Ravens with the 22nd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.As a senior at Boston College, Flowers posted career-best numbers across the board:124 targets78 catches1,077 receiving yards12 receiving TDsHe accounted for a 29.8% share of Boston College’s receptions, 36.3% of the team’s receiving yards, and a massive 57.1% of the receiving scores in 2022.Flowers was named first-team All-ACC and received a nod as a Biletnikoff Award (top college WR) semifinalist. He ended his college career as the school’s leader in career receptions (200), receiving yards (3,056), and receiving TDs (29). Flowers measured in at 5’9, 182 pounds at the NFL Combine and registered a speedy 4.42 40-yard time.What to Expect in 2023Draft Sharks analyst Jared Smola noted in Flowers’ prospect profile that the rookie’s size will likely pigeonhole him into the slot in the NFL.That said, his explosive route running and dangerous elusivity with the ball in his hands after the catch will bode well for Flowers.Flowers’ dynasty value is reasonably high, but his immediate 2023 outlook is cluttered by being on a depth chart with WRs Rashod Bateman, Odell Beckham Jr., and TE Mark Andrews.It’s conceivable that Flowers could emerge from an ambiguous WR corps under new OC Todd Monken. Thus far in camp, numerous beat reporters and national writers like NBC Sports' Peter King have spoken glowingly of the rookie. The absence of Rashod Bateman (who came off the PUP list on August 8) helped Flowers get a bit of a spotlight.The drumbeat for Flowers has grown to a point where a couple of solid preseason performances could cement him as a quality late-round pick in 2023 redraft leagues.

Flowers was selected in the first round of April's draft. The Boston College product is on the small side (5-foot-9, 182 lbs.), but was heavily targeted during his 48 games at BC, managing a target share of at least 28% in each of his final three seasons. His efficiency was solid despite a horrific 68% catchable ball rate (second lowest in this rookie WR class) and he also contributed as a rusher (57-345-2) and punt returner. He can align all over the formation and has 4.42 wheels. Flowers has a path to immediate big-time snaps opposite Odell Beckham Jr., but fantasy output may be sporadic in this explosive, but low-volume passing game. Flowers is best as a late-round flier and bench stash.