Will Baltimore Ravens rookie Zay Flowers push Devin Duvernay to return punts?

The Baltimore Ravens drafted Zay Flowers, with one of the main reasons being how dynamic he is with the football in his hands. Given the style of a receiver he is, it is almost assumed that he is a solid return man. While the Ravens have Devin Duvernay, his contract will reach the point where the team may need to move on. Is Flowers the best bet to succeed him as a return man?

Baltimore Ravens give Zay Flowers a chance to return punts

That is the initial thought, but this may take some time. Flowers was so involved in the offense at Boston College that the team actually did not use him much in the return game. He did not return kicks and only had seven punt returns during his time at Boston College.

It is wroth noting that Flowers did not get many looks to return kicks at all, so this just will not be something he does. However, it would be nice to get him some value as a rookie in the punt return game. Flowers at least got a chance in this area, but he has been limited as well.

On one of his few chances, he muffed a Jordan Stout punt. This is noteworth because Flowers also has two muffed punts on his seven returns in college. So, fielding the ball or tracking it is not his best skill set.

When you think of the Ravens, they would like to move on from Duvernay at some point, but it will not be this year. He is one of the best kick and punt return options in the NFL and is always trusted in this area.

So, while the Ravens would love to get Flowers an additional role as he is eased in offense, the chances that he beats out Duvernay for any return jobs are looking slim already. Perhaps after spending a year getting better at fielding punts, the Ravens will move on from Duvernay and ask Flowers to take on a more prominent role. Until then, do not expect Duvernay to be pushed for anything special teams related during training camp.