Offensive prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft to watch at the East-West Shrine Bowl
By Rob Paul
West WR – Zay Flowers, Boston College (5-10, 172)
The title of best 2023 NFL Draft prospect heading to Las Vegas belongs to Boston College’s Zay Flowers. With the state of this wide receiver class, he has a strong chance to be a top-50 pick come April and should give the West defensive backs hell in one-on-one’s at the Shrine Bowl.
For the past four years, Flowers has been one of the most dynamic playmakers in the ACC leading Eagles receivers in scrimmage yards each season. He’s totaled 3,401 yards on 257 touches for 31 touchdowns during his time in Chestnut Hill.
What makes Flowers so enticing as a receiver prospect is his explosive movement skills that translate to superb route running and a deep release repertoire. He’s constantly creating separation with sudden moves off the line and while setting up his routes. Add in his speed, and he’s a near impossible cover that brings a constant threat of taking the top off a defense.
The week of practice at the Shrine Bowl can help Flowers solidify himself as a top-8 receiver in this class if he can show more consistent ball skills and an ability to win contested catches despite his frame and smaller catch radius. Overall, Flowers should be a complete mismatch for everyone who has to deal with him in Vegas.
Zay Flowers leaves the corner in no man’s land using the outside stem to take advantage of the outside leverage. He’s so sudden and efficient with his routes—never loses speed + never wastes steps. pic.twitter.com/gebHtWS6mR
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) May 29, 2021