The Baltimore Ravens have built a reputation for picking and developing key players. Every year Baltimore finds at least one gem in the draft, and it’s been that way for decades. The Ravens consistently roll out teams that are built and not bought. Aside from just selecting the correct players, the Ravens have used these players to reach the pinnacle of success twice, winning two Super Bowls in the franchise’s 27-year history. When it comes to homegrown talent, the Ravens have developed some of the greatest players in NFL History.
For starters, one of the best linebackers of all time, Ray Lewis, was drafted by and spent his 16-year career with the Ravens. Linebacker Terrell Suggs spent close to 10 years alongside Lewis and was great in his own right. Ed Reed is arguably the best safety to ever play the game and was drafted by Baltimore. Although Reed didn’t finish his career as a Raven, he will always be remembered for wearing purple. Let’s not forget offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden. Needless to say, Baltimore is synonymous with greatness. With recent draft choices such as Patrick Queen, Kyle Hamilton, and wide receiver Zay Flowers, that trend looks to continue.
Rookie Zay Flowers Showing Veteran Consistency
Rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers has been displaying his talent all season. Although Flowers has yet to achieve his “breakout game” this year, he has been nothing short of consistent to this point. It appears that every week Flowers is getting more and more comfortable with life in the NFL. Every part of the rookie’s game is developing week by week. One thing that has become evident, is Flowers’ newfound ability to create space. Flowers’ route running was already good coming into the season but has grown to be great in just a short time.
Not only does Flowers run at lightning speed, he has learned the nuances of the receiver position. With the absence of Mark Andrews and Odell Beckham Jr.’s slow start to the season, Flowers has become one of Jackson’s favorite targets. Flowers was selected with the 22nd overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. The prospect’s potential reportedly enamored quarterback Lamar Jackson, and he hand-picked Flowers to be an addition to the team.
Flowers Production This Season
Zay Flowers has been heavily targeted and surprisingly consistent this season. The surprise does not stem from talent concerns, but more so from the fact that he’s just a rookie. Out of 13 games so far this season, Flowers has been targeted 10 times in at least four of them. In the very first game of the season against the Houston Texans, Flowers caught nine passes for 78 yards, an indication of what would come. Flowers’ best outing yardage-wise was in week one, but his production never truly slowed down. Although Flowers has not had his first 100-yard receiving game, he has gone over 70 yards in four games.
Flowers has already shown a clutch gene, making several late-game catches including a game-sealing 2-point conversion in week 13 against the Los Angeles Rams. In total, Flowers has close to 700 receiving yards, 64 receptions, and three touchdowns. Flowers has not missed a game this season and is proving to be durable despite his small stature. Coaches and fans have been impressed by Flowers’ veteran-like demeanor and unshakable poise. If Flowers can continue this level of play with gradual improvements, it is a matter of time before he’s considered one of Baltimore’s best draft picks in team history.
Main Photo: Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports
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