Zay Flowers Says He’s Faster Than Ever and Ready to Haul in More Deep Balls in 2025

Zay Flowers has always been known for his quickness, shiftiness, and ability to make defenders miss in the open field. But after a standout rookie season with the Baltimore Ravens, the second-year wide receiver is sending a clear message ahead of the 2025 NFL campaign—he’s not just fast anymore, he’s faster, stronger, and fully prepared to take the top off defenses on a regular basis. As the Ravens continue training camp with the regular season approaching, Flowers’ evolution has been one of the most talked-about developments coming out of Baltimore. The young wideout is showing signs that his deep-threat ability could become one of the most dangerous weapons in the league.

At 5-foot-10 and just over 180 pounds, Flowers isn’t built like your typical vertical receiver, but that hasn’t stopped him from consistently torching defenders with elite-level acceleration and route running. This offseason, he focused specifically on improving his long speed, explosiveness off the line, and timing with quarterback Lamar Jackson. According to team sources and reporters on the ground, that work is already paying off. Flowers looks smoother in his releases, quicker in his transitions, and more confident tracking the ball 30 and 40 yards downfield. His own words echo the confidence. He told media during a recent interview that he expects to catch more deep balls this year, and that he feels faster than ever.

That confidence isn’t just talk. Training camp footage and insider notes from team practices consistently highlight Flowers as one of the most explosive players on the field. He’s regularly getting separation downfield, often beating the top cornerbacks on the roster in one-on-one situations. The chemistry between him and Lamar Jackson also appears to be at an all-time high. Their timing on deep outs, go routes, and post patterns is noticeably sharper than it was even at the end of last season. It’s the kind of progress that has both fans and fantasy football analysts buzzing, especially given how often the Ravens have lacked a true vertical threat in recent years.

From an SEO perspective, Flowers’ current trajectory opens up a goldmine of search volume and traffic. Searches for phrases like “Zay Flowers 2025 breakout season,” “is Zay Flowers faster this year,” “Zay Flowers deep threat potential,” and “Ravens wide receiver training camp update” are surging as fans look for reliable insight into potential game-changers. Long-tail keywords like “how Zay Flowers is improving deep ball chemistry with Lamar Jackson” and “Zay Flowers offseason speed training results” provide perfect targeting for readers specifically interested in player development and insider news.

For Baltimore, Flowers’ rise could not be more perfectly timed. While the Ravens have long been built around defense and a dynamic run game, the missing piece in recent playoff runs has often been an offense that can stretch the field vertically and create explosive plays through the air. Flowers stepping into that role is a game-changer. Defenses will have to respect his speed, opening up more room underneath for tight end Mark Andrews and newly acquired receivers like DeAndre Hopkins. It also gives Lamar Jackson a reliable home-run option—a player who can turn a subtle stutter step at the line into a 50-yard touchdown.

Coaches and teammates have also taken notice. Multiple reports from practice sessions cite that defensive backs are having a hard time keeping up with Flowers once he gets into open space. His footwork has become more efficient, his body control sharper, and his route deception deadlier. And perhaps most importantly, his catch radius appears to have improved, thanks in part to better timing with Jackson and increased trust in his ability to make plays even when he’s not wide open.

Last year, Flowers had a strong rookie campaign, finishing with over 850 receiving yards and five touchdowns. While those numbers were respectable, especially in a run-first offense, there’s a growing belief that his sophomore season could be explosive. With an expanded route tree, more confidence in attacking deep zones, and the green light from coaches to be more aggressive on vertical routes, Flowers could realistically double his touchdown total and eclipse 1,000 yards if he stays healthy.

Much of that projection hinges on how much Baltimore is willing to open up the offense. With new offensive wrinkles and play-action schemes designed to capitalize on defenses crowding the box, Flowers is poised to become the primary beneficiary. When Lamar Jackson breaks the pocket or draws safety help with his running threat, Flowers has the speed and field awareness to find soft spots and turn busted coverages into highlight-reel moments. If early reports from camp are any indication, the Ravens are already scripting plays specifically designed to get Flowers behind the secondary.

And it’s not just the vertical game where Flowers is making strides. Improved strength and balance are allowing him to be more effective in contested catch situations, particularly on sideline throws and jump balls where he previously struggled against more physical corners. Now he’s using smarter positioning and better hand-fighting technique to make plays through contact. Add that to his already dangerous YAC (yards after catch) ability, and you have a receiver who’s evolving into a complete offensive threat.

Baltimore’s wide receiver depth chart is also shaping up in a way that favors Flowers becoming a focal point. While Hopkins brings veteran leadership and physicality, and Rashod Bateman returns hoping to stay healthy, Flowers offers something neither of them do—a gear that very few defenders in the league can match. That elite speed, paired with newfound polish and route discipline, is what separates Flowers from being a good receiver and turns him into someone who could threaten for Pro Bowl honors as early as this year.

Fans are taking notice. Social media clips of Flowers burning defenders in camp drills and making acrobatic grabs in team scrimmages are going viral among Ravens fans and NFL followers alike. Analysts are circling his name on breakout player lists. Fantasy football drafts are seeing his ADP (average draft position) rise steadily. The hype isn’t just from within the Ravens’ building—it’s coming from across the league.

Still, Flowers is keeping a level head. In his interviews, he continues to stress the importance of the fundamentals, saying his focus is on stacking good practices and improving one play at a time. He credits the coaching staff and his offseason trainers for helping him work on explosive starts, body control at the top of his routes, and increased stamina to maintain speed throughout the game. It’s that combination of natural athleticism and focused discipline that makes him such an exciting young player. He’s not just trying to run fast—he’s trying to be efficient, smart, and lethal in how he attacks defenses.

As the Ravens continue to build toward the regular season, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: Zay Flowers is going to be a problem for defenses in 2025. The question isn’t whether he’ll have a bigger role—it’s how far his star can rise. If the chemistry with Lamar Jackson continues to grow, and if Baltimore continues to trust him on vertical plays, Flowers may soon be mentioned alongside some of the top deep threats in the game.

The idea that he’s “faster than ever” isn’t just a training camp cliché—it’s a warning to the rest of the AFC. Zay Flowers has leveled up, and he’s ready to turn heads across the NFL with deep-ball plays that not only move the chains but change games. As Baltimore aims to make a deeper postseason push this year, Flowers could very well be the X-factor that helps them get over the hump.