NFL players just confirmed what Ravens fans already know about Zay Flowers

I'm not sure if there's a wide receiver who is as productive yet somehow disrespected as Zay Flowers. Last year, he ranked seventh in the league for receiving yards (and sixth among wide receivers). Yet, some people still question whether he's a true No. 1 WR.  

Baltimore Ravens fans know Flowers is a true No. 1; his production and versatility speak for themselves. Thankfully, his peers know this is the case as well. Recently, Flowers ranked 71st on the NFL's top 100 list. 

While we don't know exactly where this places Zay among the league's best receivers, since the list isn't complete, this ranking puts him in No. 1 WR territory. Notably, Flowers ranks ahead of big names such as A.J. Brown (80) and young sensation Tetairoa McMillan (87). 

Pete Prisco of CBS Sports bafflingly snubbed Flowers from his recent top 100 list. Flowers might always be questioned by some pundits. Nevertheless, Ravens fans and, clearly, other players know just how impactful he is. 

Zay Flowers definitively proved that he is a No. 1 wide receiver last season

Simply put, Flowers was the Ravens' receiving game last year. While Rashod Bateman was the invisible man and Mark Andrews declined, Flowers delivered a stellar season and helped keep the Ravens' passing game afloat. 

Remarkably, his 1,211 yards accounted for 36.9 percent of the Ravens' total receiving yards. He also ranked 10th in the NFL for target share. Considering that Flowers managed to maintain solid production even in the four games in which Lamar missed, his season was even more impressive. 

Furthermore, Zay is a highly versatile route runner. According to data from Matt Harmon's reception perception, Flowers' route tree consisted of 11 routes, with dig routes totalling the most at 20 percent. Flowers' 85.4 percent success rate against zone is also one of the best marks in the league. 

This increased versatility has been an area of growth for Flowers since he came into the league, who has always had a ton of speed and finesse.

Now, Flowers isn't a perfect receiver. Perhaps most notably, ball security has remained an issue throughout his career; he recorded three fumbles last season. 

You know who recorded the same amount of fumbles, though? Jaxson Smith-Njigba. My point isn't that Flowers is a better receiver than JSN; that would be foolish. Rather, my point is that this flaw isn't a dealbreaker for a No. 1 WR. 

By all accounts, he proved to be a quality No. 1 last year. His fifth-year option will pay him $27.2 million, and his upcoming extension will likely bring his salary above the $30 million range. This payday will be well-earned. 

With Declan Doyle's new system and a fully healthy Lamar, Flowers could be in for another leap. If this happens, Flowers' detractors will be forced to eat their words. 

Regardless, Ravens fans should tip their cap to the players for giving Flowers the respect that he deserves. 

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