Ravens’ top target Zay Flowers embraces bigger role and leadership
The second day of the Baltimore Ravens training camp brought the spotlight on the team’s top pass connection: quarterback Lamar Jackson and wide receiver Zay Flowers.
Zay Flowers has never meant more to the Ravens. The unquestioned top target for Lamar Jackson, and with few other proven options, Jackson will likely look for #4 even more.
But the bright lights are what Flowers wants and working in a new offensive system, despite his already impressive three-years of production, is what he wanted.
“I mean, everybody is excited to play, everybody flying around in the first few days, you know, everybody get a fresh start,” Flowers said.
He also takes on a more vocal leadership role.
That comes with the Pro Bowls, and leading the in catches and yards. More than telling others what to do, Flowers bring his joy to the building and to the field.
“He’s got a really infectious, positive personality, which I love.,” Ravens head coach Jesse Minter said in a news conference. “It’s the type of guy you want. You want him to walk in the room. When he walks in the room, you’re going to feel better.
Minter has made changes that make that smile even brighter, including hiring Declan Doyle as offensive coordinator, whom Zay calls a “genius,” moving the practices to the morning and shortening but intensifying the workouts.
“I love it. I love practicing in the morning,” Flowers said of the changes. “You can get it out of the way, then hit the classrooms and learn a little bit more.”
The only thing Flowers did not care to discuss: any impending contract negotiations.
This is Flower’s fourth year with the Ravens and his contract has an additional year, but now is the time extensions tend to get done.
“I’m just working now, trying to get better. I leave that to my agent as my representation” the wide receiver said of the contract negotiation process. “Right now, I’m trying to learn his offense, get closer to my teammates and my coaches and just keep getting right for the season.”
Continue that work, improve even further on the 1,200 yards from last year, and the contract will take care of itself.