Zay Flowers

Zay Flowers 2023 Fantasy Football Rookie Profile

Overview

Other than possibly Kelvin Martin, most notable for his time with the Dallas Cowboys in the late ’80s and early ’90s, Zay Flowers is likely the best receiver to ever come out of Boston College (BC). Despite being only a three-star recruit, Flowers made his impact immediately after stepping onto campus in Chestnut Hill, Mass.

As a true freshman in 2019, Flowers produced 321 receiving yards and three TDs on 22 receptions. Interestingly enough, he also saw work by spelling AJ Dillon in the backfield, totaling 27 carries for 195 yards and one TD as a 19-year-old.

The Fort Lauderdale, Fla. product broke out during an abnormal 2020 season. Taking over as the Eagles’ true No. 1 receiver, Flowers put elite play on tape, showing his ability to shift gears and direction. His nine TDs led the ACC, besting current NFL talent Dyami Brown, Amari Rodgers, Brevin Jordan and Ben Skowronek.

Flowers’ junior campaign brought an offensive makeover, ultimately hurting his production. Despite playing an extra game, his statistics dropped across the board. After Transfer Portal rumors swirled, Flowers stayed loyal to BC and prepared for his senior season.

His preparation and patience paid off in a big way as he put the stamp on his collegiate career with 78 receptions, 1,077 yards and 12 TDs. He again took the ACC crown for receiving TDs and also finished third in receptions and second in yards. Only this time, he made his stamp nationally, finishing top six in the country in receiving TDs.

Flowers impressed during the 2023 East-West Shrine Bowl practices yet ultimately opted to sit out of the game. But he came ready to go at the NFL Combine. He ran a 4.42 40-yard dash (ninth best among the WR class) and looked impressive during the on-field drills.

Pros

• Ability to secure contested catches all four years
• Yards After Catch (YAC) created by gear and direction changes
• Above-average acceleration
• Quick release and technical route running, creating separation
• Exceptional contact balance

Cons

• Older prospect
• Played in the ACC
• Size concerns
• Jack of all, master of none

Zay Flowers Player Comparison

Hines Ward (WR, Pittsburgh Steelers) With Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR, Detroit Lions) Tendencies

Like Flowers, Hines Ward was an undersized player who – outside of blocking – wasn’t excellent at one thing. However, he was technically sound in most parts of his game. Need an over-the-shoulder deep ball or a crucial third-down catch in traffic? Just call up Ward.

Ward could work the slot well or play outside. Flowers is often wrongly stereotyped as a slot receiver, but he played on the outside more than not. Ward was never considered the best receiver in football, but he used good technique and grit to work his way to six 1,000-yard receiving seasons and four Pro Bowl selections when those still mattered.

Whether it was Kordell Stewart, Tommy Maddox, Ben Roethlisberger or a cast of backups, Ward was a reliable weapon for his QBs. That’s what Flowers should be, a reliable weapon. He’s not ever going to be a top-10 receiver in this league. But he can be rock solid. What Ward has over Flowers in size, the BC wideout has in slightly better athleticism. Flowers scored a 7.66 Relative Athletic Score (RAS), while Ward had a respectable 6.15.

That’s where his Amon-Ra St. Brown tendencies come into play. St. Brown dominates in YAC. That’s likely the same area Flowers will find success at the next level. Flowers also resembles St. Brown on sweeps and backfield carries, having the field presence to house it on any attempt. Flowers proved to have a versatile skillset, totaling 57 carries for 345 yards and two TDs.

Zay Flowers Fantasy Football Projection

After performing well in Indianapolis, Flowers will likely be a late first-round or early second-round pick as the third or fourth receiver off the board in April. Ideal and realistic landing sports include Buffalo at pick No. 27, New Orleans at No. 29 or Pittsburgh at No. 32. Either way, Flowers has an opportunity to make an immediate impact.

I like him a lot as a double-digit round target in redrafts. As for rookie drafts in dynasty leagues, expect Flowers to go somewhere in late round one in 1QB leagues and early second round in superflex formats.

If you make the long-term investment in Flowers, you’re doing it with the ceiling of a mid-tier WR2. Unless he is drafted to an already-loaded WR room, he should return WR3 value at least once or twice in his first three seasons. He’s a sound prospect but may have a lower short-term ceiling than some of the other RBs, QBs and TEs in this range of rookie drafts, making it hard to prioritize targeting him.

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