Zay Flowers has already established himself as one of the NFL’s top wide receivers, but the next step in his game could be even more important for the Baltimore Ravens: turning more catches into touchdowns.
That idea starts with a simple number. Last season, Flowers was targeted just 11 times inside the 20-yard line, a surprisingly low figure for a player who finished with 79 catches, 1,184 yards and four touchdowns outside the red zone. The Ravens, meanwhile, were efficient near the goal line, scoring touchdowns on 47.5% of their trips inside the opposing 20-yard line.
Why the touchdown total could rise
The Ravens have reason to believe Flowers can handle more work in tighter spaces. On Thursday’s practice, Jesse Minter said Flowers can thrive at any area of the field, adding that he expects the receiver to be productive no matter where the ball is thrown. Flowers, for his part, kept the focus on improvement. “Honestly, I am just working right now,” he said. “I am trying to get better.”
Flowers’ overall production already points to a player who is driving Baltimore’s passing game. He has back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, Pro Bowl nods, and a three-year career that has moved him quickly from the 2023 first-round conversation into the group of established NFL playmakers. He was selected 22nd overall in 2023, and his role has grown into something far larger than a developmental piece.
What the red-zone numbers show
The gap between Flowers’ overall volume and his red-zone usage is the key storyline. He handled 107 targets last season, but only 11 of them came inside the 20. In the red zone, that meant limited chances to cash in on a part of the field where receivers can rack up touchdowns quickly. The Ravens’ offense has shown it can finish drives, too. In 2024, Baltimore had the league’s most efficient red-zone offense at 73.4%.
That context matters because Flowers does not need a complete overhaul to score more. Even a modest increase in red-zone opportunities could push his touchdown total higher, especially if the Ravens continue to create favorable looks near the goal line. His current production already shows he can separate and make plays at all levels of the field.
What comes next for Baltimore
The Ravens have not had a red-zone drill through their first two practices in 2026, so the specific usage details are still developing. But the broader picture is clear enough. Baltimore has a receiver it trusts, Flowers has already become a major part of the offense, and the coaching staff appears open to using him in more situations that can lead to touchdowns.
That also connects to the bigger business side of his career. Eric DeCosta has expressed optimism about signing Flowers to an extension, and Flowers has said he hopes to finish his career in Baltimore. He also said, “I leave that to my agents [and] my representation.” For now, the football case is straightforward: if the Ravens give Flowers more red-zone chances, his touchdown total could climb quickly.
