During Todd Monken’s first stint as offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, the team scored 28.4 points per game, which ranked fourth in the NFL.
Zay Flowers’s performance as a rookie wide receiver was one bright spot for the Ravens offense. Selected at pick No. 22 in the first round, the former Boston College star proved to be a valuable asset to Monken’s team.
Flowers stood out among the Ravens class of Trenton Simpson, Flowers, Tavius Robinson, Kyu Blu Kelly, Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, Andrew Vorhees, and free agent rookie Keaton Mitchell in NFL.com’s rookie gradings.
“Flowers made an immediate impact working with MVP Lamar Jackson in Baltimore’s offense,” writes NFL.com. “The youngster, who has battled ailments, led the club with 77 receptions for 858 receiving yards and showed proficiency on all routes. Jackson has been waiting a long time for the team to bring in a dependable playmaker who might assist him in moving the offense, and it looks like the personnel evaluators for the Ravens have made their decision.”
Flowers’ stats are comparable to those of other rookie receivers. He finished seventh in touchdowns (5), fourth in receptions, fourth in yards per game (53.6), and fifth in yards. Remember, too, that he was on an offense that led the NFL in rush attempts (541), which meant that his window of opportunity was closed.
Flowers, an already important member of the Baltimore offense, may see even more action in his second season because the Ravens have several free agency receivers who could pursue their careers elsewhere, most notably Nelson Agholor and Odell Beckham Jr.
