2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College University

Zay Flowers out of Boston College is a favorite of many NFL draft rankings and evaluators thanks to his fight to win contested catches and explosiveness with the ball in his hands. — Boston College wide receiver Zay Flowers is seen as a potential first-round pick. We break down the skill set he brings to the table here.

Boston College wide receiver Zay Flowers is seen as a potential first-round pick. We break down the skill set he brings to the table here.

Zay Flowers has lead Boston College in receiving yards in each of the last three seasons as one of the most productive wide receivers in college football.

He is also a coveted NFL draft prospect as he’s likely to hear his name called on night one in a few weeks. I break down the strengths and weaknesses in his game here.

Overview

Birthdate: 9/11/2000

Height/Weight: 5-foot-9 1/4, 182 pounds

High School: University School (Fort Lauderdale, FL)

Recruit (247): 2019 class 3 star No. 1188 Natl No. 135 WR

2022 Stats: 124 T 78 R 1,077 Yds 12 TD

2022 PFF: 75.5

2021 Stats: 82 T 44 R 746 Yds 5 TD

2021 PFF: 73.0

Strengths

Deep Threat
- Speed
  - Speed and quickness is apparent on film.
  - Wins downfield often and a big reason for that is because he’s simply faster than most DBs.
  - Ran a 4.42 40 yard dash at the combine (82nd percentile for WRs).
- Ball Tracking
  - Not only can he separate downfield with his speed, but his ball tracking makes him a lethal downfield threat.
  - Adjusts to the ball very well and comes down with some balls that most WRs his size wouldn’t.
Change of Direction
- Route Running
  - Ability to change speeds and directions makes him very difficult for DBs to stay in front of.
  - Runs double moves very effectively with his ability to sell one route to DBs and do another.
  - Maintains a vertical threat against DBs, which gives him space to separate in the intermediate areas.
- YAC
  - Speed and ability to change speeds/directions makes him dynamic with the ball in his hands.
  - Was utilized on motions frequently by BC to get him the ball with space to make defenders miss.
Career Production
- 3,056 receiving yards and 29 touchdowns in his four year career at BC.
- Was the focal point of BC’s offense – led the team in receiving yards for three straight seasons.
- Shows his talent level that he’s a big part of a power five tea,.
- Also someone who could have been even more productive in a better situation.
- There were plenty of times where he created separations but didn’t get the ball because of poor pass projections or an inaccurate pass.

Weaknessses

Physicality
- Size is concerning as it may limit what he can do in the NFL.
- 5-foot-9 ½ inches (8th percentile for WRs), 182 pounds (10th percentile).
- Could be difficult for him to separate against bigger and physical corners in the NFL.
- Played 65.8% of his snaps for BC on the outside, but may have to play more of a slot role in the NFL if he struggles against press coverage.

Final Evaluation

Pos Rank: WR4

Projection: First Round

Zay Flowers is certainly worthy of a first round pick in this class. He can come in and be a prolific deep threat in an NFL offense, a valuable role in the NFL.