Zay Flowers NFL Draft Scouting Report

WR, Boston College Eagles

Entering Boston College as a three-star recruit, wide receiver Zay Flowers found his way onto the field as a freshman. Flowers’ toughness and competitive drive stem from having 13 siblings and being the fourth youngest in the family. He played football in full pads in his backyard at the age of 4—he loves the game. 

Flowers has continued to increase his productivity and impact on BC’s offense. Flowers is having the best year of his college career, posting career highs in receptions, yards, touchdowns, and yards after the catch in 2022. He provides inside and outside versatility. Flowers has improved his ability to track the football while it’s in the air. Despite his smaller frame, he is far more competitive at the catch point this season. He has reeled in 50% contested catch targets this season. Flowers does an outstanding job attacking the defender’s leverage with his route speed and tempo. Once the ball is in his hands, he is an explosive and dynamic threat to generate big plays. 

While his athleticism is promising, Flowers does not present a big frame or catch radius. This will limit the opportunities a quarterback will trust him with in regard to targets. Flowers must improve his drops to prove his reliability to an NFL coaching staff. He has been charged with 24 drops over his career at BC with an 11% drop rate. As we have seen, no matter how talented a wide receiver is, dropping passes will not be tolerated. Flowers faces a high amount of off-coverage and free releases. This leaves a lot to be imagined regarding his release package. The question that will be asked is, will his size force him into a slot-only role in the NFL?

Projecting to the next level, Flowers’ lack of height and weight are a concern. As a result, some teams may view him as a slot-only receiver. His overall skill set and package are enticing. Flowers’ versatility will make it easier for coordinators to dial his number and get the football in his hands. The plan a team has for him in year one should revolve around pre-snap motion, manufactured touches in space, and quick-hitting routes with run-after-catch opportunities. After a few seasons in the league, Flowers could develop into an impactful and dynamic chain-mover for his offense.

Top Reasons to Buy In:

• An electric player in space
• Three-level receiving threat
• Dynamic run-after-catch option

Top Reasons For Concern:

• Lack of mass and height
• Inconsistent hands (catching)
• Functional strength as a run blocker

Size (NFL Combine):

Height: 5′ 9”

Weight: 182 lbs

Arm Length: 29 1/4”

Hand Size: 9 1/4”

Athletic Testing (NFL Combine):

40-yard Dash: 4.42s

Vertical Jump: 35.5”

Broad Jump: 10′ 7”

Short-Shuttle: TBD

Three-Cone: TBD

Bench Reps: TBD

Ideal Role: Movement Z-receiver, aligns outside, in stacks/bunch set, and the slot

Scheme Fit: Spread concepts with ample 11-personnel packages and pre-snap motion 

Prospect Comparison: Tyler Lockett

TDN Consensus Grade: 80.00/100 (Second-Round Value)

• Parson Grade: 80.00/100

Written By: Damian Parson

Exposures: Clemson (2022), NC State (2022), Rutgers (2022), Louisville (2022)

Zay Flowers NFL Draft Scouting Report. Add him to your big board here.