According to Essentially Sports Tony Pauline, the Indianapolis Colts are an interested suitor for Indiana University wideout Elijah Sarratt with a ‘Day 2’ pick in late April’s NFL Draft:
“With the NFL Draft just weeks away, the scramble to replace star talent is in full swing, and sources say the Indianapolis Colts have a specific target in mind to fill the void left by Michael Pittman Jr.,” writes Pauline.
“ . . . Despite signing Alec Pierce to a massive contract last month, the Colts need a replacement
for Pittman, whom the team traded. Sources said that not only would (Elijah) Sarratt be a perfect replacement, but it would be a homecoming of sorts, as the wideout has been a terrific receiver for the Indiana Hoosiers the past two years and was a big part of the offense that propelled the program to the national title last season.”
The 6,’2.5”, 210 pound senior wideout for the College Football Playoff Champion Indiana Hoosiers caught 65 receptions for 830 total receiving yards (12.8 ypr. avg.) and a whopping 15 touchdown receptions—leading the entire NCAA, during 14 starts last season. For his standout final collegiate season, the former James Madison transfer earned 2nd-Team All-Big Ten honors for Indiana this past year.
Here’s his NFL.com draft profile:
Overview
Big receiver whose competitiveness and elite catch-phase execution allow him to overcome his athletic limitations. While he’s nicknamed “Waffle House” because he’s said to be “always open,” Sarratt sees a high number of contested targets versus man coverage. He’s tight-hipped with below-average foot quickness and falls below the line as a separator. Once the throw goes up, however, he consistently beats corners with size, body control and catch-space strength to clean up. He’ll face press matchups that leave his catch column dry, but he’s built and wired for possession targets over the first two levels.
While Colts head coach Shane Steichen has preferred ‘separators’ since his arrival at wideout, it’s not hard to see how Sarratt has some striking similarities to departed Indy starting veteran wideout Michael Pittman Jr. in playing style, with his ability to make contested catches as a big possession target, albeit with a lack of separation.
It’ll be interesting to see what direction the Colts will choose to go at WR2 now opposite lucratively re-signed lead wide receiver Alec Pierce, who’s already a tremendous down the field threat. The team did sign another former Indiana Hooser, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, but he may serve more as veteran depth in 2026 than an ideal starter.
Regardless, it would be surprising if the Colts didn’t address this position again in the upcoming NFL Draft.
