A recent CBS Sports redraft rewrites history by taking Zay Flowers off Baltimore’s board before the Ravens can make their move.
NFL redrafts are always fascinating because they remind everyone how fragile history really is. One different decision can alter the direction of an entire franchise. Baltimore Ravens fans know this better than anyone. A single pick can reshape rosters, quarterback development, playoff races, and in some cases, championship windows.
A recent CBS Sports 2023 NFL redraft offered several interesting twists, beginning at the very top. Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud swapped destinations, meaning Stroud would become the quarterback of the Carolina Panthers while Young landed with the Houston Texans.
That alone feels strange enough to imagine, but Ravens fans may find another rewritten scenario far more interesting. What if Baltimore never landed Zay Flowers?
CBS Sports changes Baltimore’s first-round plans three years later
As we’re all very aware, in reality, Baltimore used the 22nd overall selection on Flowers. The move quickly paid off and continues to pay dividends even now.
The former Boston College Eagles star immediately added explosiveness and speed to Baltimore’s passing attack while developing strong chemistry with Lamar Jackson. Through two seasons, Flowers has already totaled 151 receptions, 2,087 receiving yards, and 14 touchdowns while emerging as one of the offense’s foundational pieces.
In Ryan Wilson’s alternate version of reality, however, the Los Angeles Chargers scoop Flowers off the board one pick earlier at No. 21 overall. Baltimore is then forced to pivot, selecting Northwestern Wildcats offensive lineman Peter Skoronski instead.
To be fair, Skoronski has developed into a quality NFL player. He transitioned smoothly from tackle to guard and has proven dependable when healthy. Baltimore also has legitimate interior offensive line concerns, so the logic behind the pick makes sense, especially considering lingering questions at center and guard.
Still, this version of history feels far less exciting for Ravens fans.
Baltimore had spent years trying to find a true difference-maker at wide receiver. Flowers finally gave them one. His quickness, route-running ability, and playmaking instincts changed the feel of Baltimore’s offense.
While Skoronski would certainly help stabilize the trenches, replacing what Flowers provides offensively is much harder. That’s what makes exercises like this so interesting. The NFL Draft remains an inexact science, and small changes can create massive ripple effects. In Baltimore’s case, though, it feels safe to say the Ravens got this one exactly right the first time around.
