Only a Ravens wide receiver could rank this high and still be overlooked

The Baltimore Ravens have never been known for their wide receiver history. When fans think of the team's talent at the position over the years, prominent names include Derrick Mason, Anquan Boldin, Torrey Smith, and Steve Smith Sr. But of the team’s all-time receivers, just one has made a Pro Bowl as a wideout, and it happened this past season. 

Recently, Baltimore has been building a strong receiver group. They’re still known for dominance at the tight end position, but 2024 saw two receivers stand out. 2021 first-round pick Rashod Bateman had his long-awaited breakout with 756 yards and nine touchdowns. And 2023 first-round pick Zay Flowers also had his best season to date. In his second year, he had one of the greatest all-time Ravens wide receiver seasons tallying 1,059 yards and catching four touchdowns. Flowers is becoming one of the league’s brightest young stars.

PFF ranks Zay Flowers as a top-25 wide receiver... but that still feels too low

Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus (PFF) recently ranked the top 32 wide receivers in the NFL, and Flowers makes the list. However, looking at this, he might be one of the most underrated players on it.

Flowers cracks the top 32, ranking 25th on Sikkema’s rankings. It’s great to see a young star earn his... flowers, but given his performance last season, he probably deserves to be ranked a bit higher. 

The 24-year-old was one of 24 players to eclipse 1,000 yards last season, finishing 19th in the league, 16th if you just include wide receivers. His campaign earned him a much-deserved first career Pro Bowl nod. While the Pro Bowl isn’t the best measuring stick these days, it’s an honor some players listed ahead of him have yet to add to their résumés. 

Flowers also ranked 16th out of 98 qualifying receivers on PFF’s 2024 grading scale. He earned an 82.1 overall grade. There's no denying he's one of the most dangerous receivers to gameplan for, as he’s one of the most dangerous players in football after the catch. He’s a splash play threat whenever he has the ball in his hands, showcasing his shiftiness and speed every chance he gets. 

Flowers should be in for another strong season entering his third year and will continue to improve. His connection with quarterback Lamar Jackson is one of the best in football. Whenever the two are on the field together, the duo is a threat to make opposing defenses pay. They’ve made countless splash plays in their short career together thus far and will keep building on that in 2025. 

With another year under his belt, Flowers will continue to prove any doubters wrong. He’ll continue to make defenses look silly and look to take his game to the next level, as Baltimore looks to win its third Lombardi Trophy.

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