Ravens WR Zay Flowers: Fantasy ‘Sleeper’ vs. Texans?
The Baltimore Ravens are expected to field one of the NFL’s more high-powered passing games in the upcoming season.
In addition to re-signing franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson, the Ravens also secured the services of two-time second team All Pro receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. — who joins fellow wideouts Rashod Bateman, Devin Duvernay and Nelson Agholor in a crowded, yet talented depth chart at the position.
However, Boston College product, and first-round 2023 NFL Draft Selection (No. 22 overall,) Zay Flowers not only has the chance to be one of Baltimore’s most productive offensive weapons.
In fact, he may be one of this season’s most ‘profitable’ fantasy football options, per The Athletic.
“Flowers, from Boston College, will look to team up with Odell Beckham Jr. to bring some semblance of a passing game to the Ravens’ offensive attack,” wrote The Athletic’s Dominick Petrillo. “Going as WR47, pick No. 115 overall, in 2023 drafts, Flowers is an excellent value — especially when considering that teammate OBJ, having missed an entire season, is being taken as WR40 with the 96th overall pick.”
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To date, Flowers has not only lived up to expectations, he has exceeded them. He has been a training camp standout, routinely exhibiting his speed, athleticism and on-field awareness in both route-running and playing off the ball. In his lone preseason action against the Washington Commanders on Aug 21, the former BC Eagle caught two passes for 37 yards and a touchdown. Therefore, it is unsurprising that the 22-year-old is commanding the attention of fantasy GMs before taking an NFL snap.
Flowers joined the Ravens as one of the top recieving prospects in the nation. Not only is he an adept pass-catcher, but he also possesses an added vertical element which allows him to separate from his defender. He fininshed his senior season on Chestnut Hill having compiled 78 catches for 1,077 yards with 12 touchdowns. Arguably, his best trait is the ability to add yards after the catch. In fact, he averaged 13.8 yards-per-catch for BC in 2022.
Though he had already tested on agility drills at the NFL Combine — where he ran 4.42-second 40-yard dash, Flowers also displayed short-area quickness in the passing attack during his pro day workouts. Apparently, his prowess was strong enough to catch the eye of the Ravens brass.
Though his speed and talent are as impressive as any player at his position, Flowers’ only potential drawback may be his size. Generously listed at 5-10, 172, his ability to hold up against some of the country’s most physical corners (with pro-level size and skill set) could be something to monitor throughout the season. Still, his abilities as a play maker make him a solid fit in coordinator Todd Monken’s offensive … and it just may make him a productive fantasy fit, as well.
