After a 13-4 season, the Minnesota Vikings head into the draft with only four picks and a litany of positions that need bolstering. While they could fix the defensive side of the ball early and select someone who could be an immediate contributor for new defensive coordinator Brian Flores, they also still have needs on offense.
They could address WR2 early on draft weekend. We all know that Justin Jefferson is the undisputed top receiver on this team and maybe across the entire league. However, Jefferson struggled when teams honed in on him last season, committing two or even three men on him every play. That was evident in the playoff game against the New York Giants and the Week 17 game at Lambeau Field. When Jefferson was unable to get going, the offense struggled. K.J. Osborn was inconsistent this season, and with Adam Thielen no longer on the roster, the team has a glaring need for a pass catcher.
Though the acquisition of T.J. Hockenson mid-season did remedy some of these problems, there is still a clear void at wide receiver that the Vikings need to address to optimize Jefferson and the passing attack. Zay Flowers from Boston College could be the solution.
Although he is only 5’10”, 172 lbs., Flowers is one of the best receivers in this class. Despite dealing with spotty quarterback play, Flowers put up 1,077 yards on 78 catches with 12 touchdowns with a 106.1 QB rating when BC targeted him. Flowers’ biggest strength is his speed and quickness, which allow him to separate from defenders. It makes him a threat whenever he has the ball in space.
There have been countless times where it has looked like defenders have Flowers dead to rights, but he somehow manages to evade them and get more yards.
Flowers’ speed and excellent route-running have made him a threat to take the top off of opposing defenses. His fluidity and ability to shift speeds during the route allow him to get vertical in a hurry and create separation. That’s part of what makes him so good and could add a vertical component to the passing game, which the Vikings’ offense lacked last season. Adding Flowers would unlock a new element of Kevin O’Connell‘s offense.
Given his size, you may assume that Flowers struggles on contested catches. However, that isn’t the case. He managed to come down with 50% of his contested targets this season. Flowers’ ability to make contested catches allowed him to showcase his physicality, which most people thought he lacked.
Former All-Pro wide receiver Steve Smith has raved about Flowers’ ability, calling him a “plug-and-play type of player.” Smith, who is 5’9″, 195 lbs., doesn’t believe Flowers’ lack of size would be a problem at the next level, saying he could be a “tier one” wide receiver. That isn’t faint praise. Smith was one of the first people who identified Cooper Kupp‘s potential.
While Flowers’ upside is certainly there, a fair number of concerns could hold him back at the next level. Size is the first one. He will face a different level of competition and athleticism in the NFL and may struggle to adjust to the pros. Flowers lined up across the field in different positions at Boston College. However, his size might force him to be a full-time slot in the NFL, and he could struggle to find the same level of success on the outside.
We heard a similar “slot only” concern about Jefferson when he was in the draft process. However, that might be more valid for Flowers, considering Jefferson has the size advantage. There would also be a concern about Flowers’ ability to beat press coverage. In college, he primarily faced off-coverage.
Flowers’ hands are also a meaningful concern. During his time at Boston College, he recorded 24 drops, at a rate of 11%. Although his catch rate has steadily improved, it will still be something most teams look out for.
Flowers would be a breath of fresh air in the receivers room, given their lack of explosiveness. He would also step into an ideal situation. Flowers does not have to be the primary target because Jefferson and Hockenson are the focal points of Minnesota’s offense.
He would likely also be the perfect complement to Jefferson. Flowers can take the top off the defense and serve as the deep threat while allowing Jefferson to play his more natural role on intermediate routes.
Flowers will likely be selected later in the first round or early-to-middle of the second. If the Vikings trade back, they can recoup some of the value they have lost from other trades while adding Flowers to their arsenal.
