There are a number of quality wide receiver prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, and Indiana WR Elijah Sarratt is certainly one of them. A free agency class starved of receivers is sure to lead to high demand in late April. The Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and more will be eying the draft for playmakers.
Indiana WR Elijah Sarratt 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report
DOB: 28/05/2003 (22)
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 213 lbs
40-Yard Dash: 4.60 (est.)
College Production: 3 seasons, 200 receptions, 2,978 receiving yards, 32 total touchdowns in 40 career games
Positives
- Extremely precise route-runner, with the lateral and comeback ability to get open suddenly.
- Plays well through contact despite limited mass on his frame.
- Impressive body control both pre-catch and at the catch point. Notable awareness on the sideline and the ability to ensure two feet get down.
- Considered 'Clutch' by teammates and coaches- Relied upon in those 'have to have it' situations.
- Some of the most consistent hands in the draft, able to comfortably and naturally secure the ball away from his body.
After leaving James Madison and the Sun Belt behind, Elijah Sarratt excelled in the Big Ten the past two seasons. His time in the spotlight has only just begun, but he's already proven he can produce against tough competition.
Negatives
- Lack of top-end speed and explosiveness may lead to windows closing on him faster than most would like.
- Surprisingly poor length for a player with his frame. Will have to rely on separation against longer defenders.
- Subpar release from the line of scrimmage, combined with issues fighting through contact. Press coverage will be a problem for him if he fails to refine his technique off the line of scrimmage.
- Considered an outside receiver but has work to do to overcome frame and speed issues as a pro.
- Lack of physicality makes for poor special teams production, and limited ability as a blocker.
Elijah Sarratt is a comfortable draft pick with the potential to be competitive as a pro, but he will need to put in work to make it happen. He needs to add mass to his frame to be a truly prototypical X receiver. Release technique needs work, as does blocking. He will need to prove he can do the little things to be a major contributor as a rookie.
Elijah Sarratt NFL Player Comparison: Jakobi Meyers
Lance Zierlein compares Sarratt to Allen Lazard, and Draft Buzz compares him to Tre Harris. Neither is accurate, in my opinion. Jakobi Meyers feels like a more honest player comp. Sarratt is slightly larger, but suffers the same physical limitations. He gets jammed at the line of scrimmage, but has clean routes to separate downfield and good awareness on the sidelines. Meyers has seen solid success as a pro due to his usage and effort to overcome physical issues; Elijah Sarratt can do much of the same.
Sarratt's fit with the Buffalo Bills
The biggest issue for the Buffalo Bills is at WR. They have a type, and it's a 6'4", 230lb player who can block. Sarratt isn't that, but he's certainly what they need. The youngster has the ability to win with clean routes and the hands to become a consistent downfield threat for Josh Allen. He brings a unique skillset to the team, and they need that as much as they need playmakers on rookie contracts. If Elijah Sarratt is a member of the Bills in 2026, it will be worthwhile.
Elijah Sarratt NFL Draft Grade: Late Round 2-Round 3
Though the class isn't top-heavy, there is a wealth of talented receivers in the middle section; Elijah Sarratt is certainly one of them. With the state of the free agent market, Sarratt could find himself drawn into the late stages of Round 1, or early Round 2, but an accurate assessment of his talent pegs him as a mid-Day 2 draft pick. He has some physical issues and some technique flaws, not all of which will be repaired as a pro. Still, the Indiana product will make his mark on the NFL.