The offensive line led the NFL in scoring offence (28.4 points per game) during Todd Monken’s first season as offensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens. Zay Flowers, a rookie receiver, was one offensive bright spot for the Ravens. The former Boston College star, selected in the first round (at pick No. 22), was a fantastic asset to Monken’s team.
Flowers stood out among the Ravens class of Trenton Simpson, Tavius Robinson, Kyu Blu Kelly, Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, Andrew Vorhees, and free agent rookie Keaton Mitchell, who all received B grades in NFL.com’s rookie rankings. “Flowers made an immediate impact working with MVP Lamar Jackson in Baltimore’s offence,” according to NFL.com. “Despite battling ailments, the rookie led the club with 77 receptions for 858 receiving yards, showing her versatility on all routes. Jackson seems to have been waiting a long time for the Ravens’ personnel evaluators to bring in a dependable playmaker who could assist him in moving the offence.”
In comparison to other rookie receivers, Flowers’ stats are quite impressive. He was fourth in receptions, fourth in yards per game (53.6), seventh in yards, and seventh in touchdowns (5). Remember that he was a member of an offence that led the NFL in rush attempts (541), which meant that his opportunities were constrained. Since Nelson Agholor and Odell Beckham Jr. are two of the Ravens’ free agency receivers who could pursue careers elsewhere, Flowers—who was already an integral member of the Baltimore offense—may see even more playing time in his second season.
In his rookie season, Flowers lived up to the Ravens’ expectations, establishing a rapport with Lamar Jackson and recording five receptions or more eleven times. Flowers proved he can play in the most important moments during the playoff defeat to Kansas City, hauling in five passes for 115 yards and a touchdown (albeit he had a play or two he would want back).
