Rookie Spotlight: Zay Flowers

By Cody Folden

Zay Flowers could be the Swiss Army knife of the draft. At 5’9” 182 pounds, and in a scouting combine full of disappointment and lack of flair at the wide receiver position, Flowers had a workout that was exactly what he needed.. Running a 4.42 forty and having a 1.53 10 yard split was just what was expected for him. In his 4 years at Boston College, he finished with a stat-line of 200 catches for 3,056 yards and 29 TD's. The yardage mark makes Flowers number 10 all time for receiving yards in the ACC. His senior year was his best with 78 receptions and 1,077 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. He did everything stat wise his senior season to enter the NFL draft as a top WR prospect. 

Positives

Versatility 

Dynamic in Open Field

Good Core

With his small stature we know he will be out for some teams, but there are things about his game that he excels at, and other parts that need fine tuning. Flowers versatility is one of the best in this class. He can line up inside, outside, and motion to anywhere on the field and know exactly where he is. With the versatility comes a good core and feet. In the open field Flowers is the definition of slippery. He’s got that natural twitch about him that makes defenders second guess where he is going to be and by then it is already too late. With mediocre QB play he stayed dynamic. 

Negatives

Route Running

Body Catches

Slim Frame

These 2 things may come to a surprise with the numbers he puts up, but sometimes he doesn't sell his route as much as he needs to so that the defender buys in and gets faked out. He has the core and mental capacity to do it and this may be a result of Flowers being the only option for Boston College all year, but something he can definitely improve on. Flowers catches with his pads (body) far too often on film to be happy with but, again, this can be worked on and fixed. As for the slim frame he added alot of weight for the combine. That isnt his play weight so, like every year, people will be worried about his slim frame. Remember all the negative connotations about Devonta Smith? It worked out for him, and I feel it can work for Flowers too with good luck and a lack of major injury in college. 

NFL Player Comparisons

Devonta Smith, Curtis Samuel, Wandale Robinson

There is no question these types of players have a strong presence in the game today. The comparisons are for these three players because they all have proven they can play the X and Z receivers respectively. They can line up and be successful as the farthest receiver from the QB and all can thrive by being the “flanker” or motion man. Zay Flowers also fits this category. 

Best Fits

San Francisco 49ers: Kyle Shanahan is an offensive guru. We all know this, the one thing he can't get right is keeping his quarterback healthy. The 49ers already have 2 dynamic receivers and a second year player in Danny Gray that can fly. If they stay with Brock Purdy, they need one more dynamic and albeit cheap weapon. Zay Flowers is that guy.

Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings and their fans feel they have a head coach in Kevin O’Connell that is also dynamic. They have the arguable #1 receiver in the game today in Justin Jefferson, and with a smaller WR free agency market and having a need at the position. I believe they focus on defense in free agency and use their draft picks on offense. With a dynamic receiver, K.J Osborn, and an almost inevitable extension to TJ Hockenson; they need a WR of Flowers ability. 

Arizona Cardinals: Another WR destination with the rumors of DeAndre Hopkins getting traded and cutting Chosen Anderson. The new coach Jonathan Gannon and GM Monti Ossenfort need more weapons. Why not grab Zay Flowers to be your flanker and pair him with Hollywood Brown and Rondale Moore.