Zay Flowers Made 'Immediate Impact' On Ravens Offense in Rookie Season
In Todd Monken's first as Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator, the unit was the fourth highest scoring offense in football (28.4/g).
One shining light for the Ravens on offense was the performance of rookie receiver Zay Flowers. Taken in the first round (No. 22), the former Boston College standout was a superb contributor for Monken's unit.
As part of NFL.com's rookie gradings that saw the Ravens' class of Flowers, Trenton Simpson, Tavius Robinson, Kyu Blu Kelly, Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, Andrew Vorhees , and free agent rookie Keaton Mitchell earn a B grading, Flowers was the clear standout.
"Flowers made an immediate impact working with MVP Lamar Jackson in Baltimore's offense," NFL.com writes. "The rookie led the team with 77 receptions for 858 receiving yards, excelling on all types of routes despite fighting off injuries. Jackson waited a long time for the team to add a reliable playmaker who could help him move the offense, and it appears the Ravens' personnel evaluators finally came through."
USA Today Sports
Among other rookie receivers, Flowers' numbers stack up reasonably well. He finished fifth in yards, fourth in receptions, fourth in yards per game (53.6), and seventh in touchdowns (5). Also keep in mind that he was on an offense that led the NFL in rush attempts (541), so his opportunities were limited as a result.
With the Ravens having multiple free agent receivers who could continue their careers elsewhere, most notably Odell Beckham Jr. and Nelson Agholor, Flowers, who was already a crucial part of the Baltimore offense, could see even more action in his second season.
Flowers was everything that the Ravens thought he would be in his first NFL season as he developed a chemistry with Lamar Jackson as ten times he had five or more receptions. In the playoff loss to Kansas City, Flowers hauled in five passes for 115 yards and a touchdown as he showed he can perform in the biggest spots (although he had a play or two he would want back).
Baltimore fans should feel good about Flowers' potential moving forward as there is every chance that next season, he could become the leader of the receiver room.
