The former first-round pick from Boston College Zay Flowers was the featured weapon and schemed-up target when star tight end Mark Andrews went down. Now with a year in offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s system, the Flowers and Lamar Jackson duo should continue to grow in 2024.
There is plenty to be optimistic about with the 23-year-old, as Flowers was a surprise to most people as a fantasy player who had his ups and downs. However, there are variables to his fantasy production and it is fair to question if he can be as productive as 2023.
Despite being their most productive rookie wide receiver, there are some question marks as to what his ceiling is as a true fantasy asset.
Zay Flowers 2023 Stats and Production
Zay Flowers ended his rookie year as the 29th or 30th-ranked receiver, depending on the format according to Fantasy Pros. For the Baltimore Ravens, he had 11 weeks with double-digit fantasy points, with a few weeks over 20 but some in the single digits. His 20-plus point performances line up with Andrews being out of the lineup.
Coming into 2023, Flowers was one of the steals of fantasy drafts as a later-round pick in the 12th or 13th rounds for PPR. He will look to take another step forward in 2024, as he had 77 catches for 858 receiving yards and six total touchdowns last year. The Ravens playmaker was used in multiple facets within the scheme, as he should have a settled-in role for Baltimore.
Zay Flowers 2024 Fantasy Outlook
While Zay Flowers will be the set starter at wide receiver in 2024, some key role changes within the offense may impact his usage. Andrews is coming back fully healthy, as that was a big part of Flower’s increased usage and target volume. Tight end Isaiah Likely will also be an intricate part of the passing game, along with Rashod Bateman hopefully with a full healthy offseason.
Odell Beckham Jr., now with the Miami Dolphins, did impact the Ravens to start the year last season. His role did diminish to Nelson Agholor down the stretch and Baltimore drafted Devontez Walker in the fourth round of this past NFL Draft. There also may be an element in the passing game out of the backfield with Derrick Henry, as he will be the focal point with Lamar Jackson.
Final Thoughts on Zay Flowers
For 2024, according to FantasyPros, he is coming in six rounds earlier for PPR fantasy drafts, with other young star pass catchers like George Pickens as their slated number-one receiver on the roster. For this upcoming season, Flowers is the 26th-ranked receiver with the 17th hardest schedule for receivers according to Fantasy Pros, so it’s a neutral path of resistance.
2023 was more pass-heavy, but with the addition of Henry, at least during the regular season, it makes sense if the Ravens go back to their routes somewhat in running the ball more. Baltimore now has a featured back they can rely on, making their rushing attack with Jackson deadly. This likely will lead to more big-play opportunities downfield for weapons like Flowers.
While the Baltimore Ravens star could see more of an uptick in yardage, it would downgrade his target volume potentially in Monken’s offense. An improved run game would make their offense more balanced, compared to the higher passing volume displayed in Monken’s first year with Jackson. While there is some optimism, the cost for Zay Flowers in drafts might be too high.
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