Ravens get Lamar another WR, draft Zay Flowers at No. 22

The Baltimore Ravens selected Boston College wide receiver Zay Flowers in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 22nd overall.

Flowers is the second high-profile wideout to be inserted into the Ravens' receiving corps following the earlier signing of Odell Beckham Jr. as a free agent. Rashod Bateman and Nelson Agholor are also on the depth chart.

The Boston College product set career highs in 2022 with 78 catches for 1,077 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Getting Lamar Jackson more dynamic receivers was a focus heading into the offseason. The Ravens rewarded their star quarterback with a five-year, $260-million extension Thursday.

Pre-draft profile

The comparison to Tyreek Hill may seem like hyperbole, but it's hard not to see glimpses of the NFL star when watching Flowers on tape. Despite being only 5-foot-9, Flowers plays bigger than his size, and his natural athleticism makes him a serious weapon in other ways, too. Flowers' route running is almost like watching art being made. He's got a quick release off the line of scrimmage but can also fend off the press with his lightning-fast footwork. At the stem of the route, he can dupe cornerbacks, leading to excellent separation. His elusiveness makes him a serious challenge for defenses to wrap up, too. While his ceiling may be somewhat limited due to his size and short arm length, which hinder his catch radius, Flowers has all the tools necessary to overcome those issues. The bottom line for interested offensive coordinators is simple: Get the ball in Flowers' hands and let his natural talent do the rest.

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