2026 Raiders Draft Scouting: Evaluating Prospect Elijah Sarratt
Elijah Sarratt, a standout wide receiver, has made a significant mark in his college football career. With an extensive track record of performance, he is now garnering attention for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.
Elijah Sarratt’s College Career Overview
During the 2025 season, Sarratt recorded impressive stats. He tallied 62 receptions for 802 yards and 15 touchdowns. Over his entire college career, which spans institutions like St. Francis, JMU, and Indiana, he registered:
- Total Receptions: 237
- Total Yards: 3,630
- Total Touchdowns: 44
- Yards After Catch: 1,213
- Contested Catch Rate: 68%
Playing Style and Strengths
Sarratt possesses a robust physical frame, but his skills extend beyond mere size. He displays exceptional route running abilities, enabling him to effectively drop his hips and explode out of cuts. This skill set allows him to separate from defensive backs successfully. Sarratt’s innate ability to high-point the ball makes him a valuable asset on the field, particularly in contested situations.
Throughout his career, Sarratt has shown a knack for understanding the game. He adeptly navigates coverage, utilizing head fakes and body movements to create space. His instincts help him consistently achieve first downs, having recorded 177 on his 237 receptions.
Areas for Improvement
Despite his strengths, Sarratt has some areas that need development. His long speed is adequate, projected to be between 4.48 to 4.54 seconds in the 40-yard dash. While he excels in intermediate routes, he struggles with deep plays. Additionally, Sarratt sometimes encounters challenges when faced with initial physical contact, which can disrupt his route execution.
As a blocker, he puts forth considerable effort, but his technique and strength can be limiting. Sarratt’s catch radius could also be improved, as he may struggle with out-of-frame catches despite standing at 6’2″.
2026 NFL Draft Projections
Sarratt is drawing interest as a mid to late second-round prospect. Comparisons have been made to Michael Pittman Jr., highlighting his potential in the league. Teams looking for a physical receiver who can perform in contested situations should find Sarratt an appealing candidate.
The Las Vegas Raiders are particularly in need of a receiver like Sarratt to pair with Fernando Mendoza. Sarratt’s blend of physicality and route running skills makes him an excellent fit to enhance the Raiders’ offensive strategy.
