Games Watched: Clemson (2021) Florida State (2021)
Best Game: Florida State (2021)
Worst Game: N/A
Route Running: Has explosive COD and plus athletic ability to be a good route runner. Low center of gravity makes for quick lateral movements. Could be more dynamic with incorporation of head fakes, attacking leverage, efficient footwork and expanded route tree.
Blocking: Limited size. Listed at 5’10 177. Will give an honest effort blocking, but lack of size and play strength speaks to minor effectiveness as a blocker.
Contested Catch Ability: Separation will be the weapon he wins with. Limited in length and strength. Bigger and longer defenders will give him trouble at the catch point.
Separation: Gets his separation with pure speed, the threat of his speed and explosive agility. DBs are hesitant to press him because of his straight line speed. This gives him extra room on in/out breaking routes. When played tight, he can slam on the brakes and change direction before DBs can react.
Ball Skills: Doesn’t have the largest catch radius. Saw a lot of off target passes, but simply doesn’t have the length to compensate. Will let some passes into his body. Catches the ball well when on target.
Beating Press: Has a limited sample size of reps playing boundary X against press in games watched. Shows a shoulder dip used to slip past physical defenders. Release package would benefit from developed hand usage to go along with his explosive lateral agility.
YAC Ability: Dynamic in space. Jump cuts, jukes and straight line speed allow him to make defenders miss and gain yards after the catch.
Ball Tracking: Has shown ability to track the ball over the shoulder. Adjusts well to throws leading to the sideline. Can track the deep pass on deep vertical routes.
Long Speed: Legit long speed with plus acceleration to match. Is fast laterally and in a straight line. Will blow the top off, when left running through a zone untouched.
Versatility: Best suited as a movement Z. Has played from the slot as well as reduced splits. Perfect skill set for manufactured touches like bubble screens, orbit motion swing passes and jet sweeps.
Summary: Zay Flowers is a dynamic big play receiver. He is able to turn short passes into long gains. Lack of size will bring concerns of upside as a high volume catcher. Has upside with route nuance reading leverage.
Grade: 77/100
Report Author: E.J Holt Area Scout for Blue Chip Scouting
Twitter: @EJHolt_Draft