The Baltimore Ravens have an offense cluttered with playmakers. Superstars Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry helped pave the way for a historic season in 2024, but receiving weapons were crucial to Baltimore’s offense. The passing offense took significant strides, becoming a consistent threat for really the first time in the Jackson-era. One 2024 breakout player could reach new heights in 2025 with another massive leap.
Third-year wide receiver Zay Flowers had an outstanding season in 2024. He made 74 receptions for 1,059 yards and four touchdowns, earning Pro Bowl honors for the first time in his young career. By the looks of it, he could be in for better things in 2025.
NFL reporter for ESPN Dan Graziano made a bold prediction for each NFL team in a recent article, and he believes Flowers could be poised to take a third-year leap.
“The main reason I'm looking out for Flowers this season is the fact that DeAndre Hopkins has been on the team since the spring,” Graziano wrote.
“Last year at the Super Bowl, Chiefs coaches were raving to me about the impact Hopkins had after Kansas City acquired him -- not as a pass catcher but as a teacher, particularly for rookie wideout Xavier Worthy…They felt Worthy's improved performance throughout the season was due in part to Hopkins' help, and Ravens coach John Harbaugh told me when I visited their camp that he has seen similar things from Hopkins since he has been in Baltimore."
Zay Flowers poised to join NFL’s elite in 2025
Flowers was already one of the best in the league in 2024, but the addition of DeAndre Hopkins could help him develop into a legitimate number-one wide receiver. The main area in which he struggled last year was as a deep threat. He had just one reception of more than 30 air yards, and had some drops on such plays, as well. However, he was dominant in nearly every other phase of the game.
At just 24 years old, Flowers is already one of the most elusive wideouts in the game. He jukes out oncoming defenders with ease, and his quick footwork makes him difficult to keep contained in open space. It also allows him to find openings through his routes, easily breaking open and acting as Jackson's go-to target.
If Hopkins can help open up the game for Flowers like he did Worthy, then Baltimore’s offense could break even more records this year. Of course, the numbers may not take a huge jump, as there are plenty of mouths to feed, but just as Worthy found a consistent rhythm after Kansas City acquired Hopkins, Flowers could benefit from the same.