The early waves of NFL free agency often reshape how teams approach the draft, but they rarely eliminate uncertainty. For the Las Vegas Raiders, the next phase could hinge on how they address offensive playmakers. A recent projection has introduced an intriguing possibility involving a familiar college connection.
Raiders Eye Elijah Sarratt as Reliable WR Option in NFL Draft
According to PFSN’s Jacob Infante, the Raiders could use one of their early selections to target Indiana wide receiver Elijah Sarratt. With many of the major free agency moves already completed, Infante’s mock draft reflects a clearer picture of team needs and potential fits.
Infante highlights Sarratt’s talent and the potential chemistry angle. As he notes, “Reuniting him with Fernando Mendoza in the NFL would be a fun outcome for all parties involved.” That familiarity could carry real value, especially for a team seeking offensive cohesion.
While Sarratt may not be the most explosive receiver in his class, Infante notes that he offers a more refined, technically sound skill set. His ability to manipulate leverage, maintain physicality, and execute routes with precision makes him a dependable option rather than a boom-or-bust prospect.
PFSN’s scouting report reinforces that evaluation. Sarratt has been highly productive since 2022, including a 1,000-yard season at James Madison in 2023. He followed that by leading Indiana in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns during their 2024 College Football Playoff run, and then posted a career-high 15 touchdowns in 2025.
Beyond production, his evaluation metrics also provide context. Sarratt holds a PFSN grade of 82.23 and is ranked No. 87 overall on their board, along with being the No. 14 wide receiver in the class. His draft outlook places him firmly in the middle rounds, with an average draft position of 64 and a projected selection window between picks 31 and 102. He is most commonly projected as a second-round selection and has already been mocked 39 times in simulations.
Additional consensus rankings further support that range. He is ranked No. 65 by The Athletic, No. 73 by PFF, No. 82 by CBS Sports, and No. 85 by ESPN, illustrating a relatively tight evaluation band across major outlets.
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In PFSN’s simulator data, he carries a user ADP of 78, a user rank of No. 69, and has been selected over 63,000 times, indicating steady interest from evaluators and fans alike.
PFSN describes him as having the necessary foot speed, body control, and tempo awareness to create separation on his own, while also excelling at the catch point with strong hands, composure, timing, and overall control. These traits help explain why his production has remained consistent despite questions about top-end athleticism.
If the Raiders move in this direction, the decision would signal a preference for polish and reliability over raw explosiveness. Pairing Sarratt with Mendoza could also ease his transition, allowing existing chemistry to translate to the professional level.
In a class often defined by upside, Sarratt stands out for his execution. That distinction may ultimately make him a more practical and valuable addition than flashier alternatives.
