As the pre-draft process begins to sharpen league priorities, teams buried under long-term financial decisions often look to the margins of the draft for clarity. That reality is shaping projections for several mid-round prospects, including Indiana wide receiver Elijah Sarratt, whose name surfaced in a recent Pro Football Network mock tied to a franchise navigating one of the NFL’s most restrictive quarterback situations.
Could Elijah Sarratt Help Out a Team with Serious QB Questions?
In PFSN’s latest seven-round mock draft, Sarratt is projected to land with the Miami Dolphins at No. 90 overall. The selection reflects both player fit and organizational necessity, as Miami enters the 2026 offseason constrained by the financial structure surrounding quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Sarratt has emerged as one of Indiana’s most reliable offensive weapons, even if he lacks the explosive profile of teammate Omar Cooper Jr. At 6’2″ with strong body control, Sarratt wins with timing, leverage, and physicality rather than raw speed. His ability to work through contact and finish plays above the rim makes him an appealing developmental target for teams looking to add size and refinement to their receiving room without spending premium draft capital.
“If I’m a great teammate and I put my work in, […] they can say whatever else about me.” @elijah_sarratt on what he hopes his reputation looks like when he hangs up his cleats (many years from now) pic.twitter.com/v70zYz9Re8
— Home Grown with David & Derek Carr (@HomeGrownTweet) January 19, 2026
That type of value aligns with Miami’s current position. New general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan inherits a roster still built to compete but limited by Tagovailoa’s contract, which carries a potential $99.2 million dead-cap hit if the team were to move on before June 1, 2026. Even a post-June 1 designation would leave the Dolphins absorbing more than $67 million in dead money next season, effectively removing flexibility at the most important position on the roster.
Sarratt offers a physical complement to Miami’s existing skill set and projects as a player who could carve out a role without requiring immediate volume. His presence would also help stabilize the offense in situations where injuries or scheme adjustments call for a different style of receiver.
Miami’s draft inventory supports that strategy. While the Dolphins hold multiple selections in the first three rounds, their later-round capital is thin, making efficient picks critical. A player like Sarratt, projected in the late third round, represents the kind of controlled upside Miami must prioritize while navigating a quarterback situation it cannot realistically escape until at least 2027.
The Dolphins’ long-term direction remains tethered to a new head coach and quarterback room. Until that is resolved, their draft board is likely to reflect patience. Sarratt’s projection is a direct reflection of that reality.
Indiana enters Monday night’s National Championship Game against Miami with a perfect record. The Hoosiers advanced through the College Football Playoff with a balanced, efficient offense and a steady defense, earning the program’s first national title appearance. Several draft prospects, including Elijah Sarratt, will be on display on college football’s biggest stage.
