The Cleveland Browns are in a pivotal moment as they look to revamp their receiving corps, which struggled significantly last season. Jerry Jeudy, once a Pro Bowl standout, saw his production dip dramatically, leaving the Browns searching for answers. Free agency didn't bring much-needed reinforcements, with Tylan Wallace primarily known for his return abilities rather than his receiving prowess.
This situation thrusts the upcoming NFL draft into the spotlight. With the #6 and #24 picks in the first round, the Browns have a prime opportunity to bolster their receiving unit. Prospects like Ohio State's Carnell Tate and USC's Makai Lemon are potential targets early on, while later in the round, players such as Jordyn Tyson from Arizona State, Indiana’s Omar Cooper Jr., and KC Concepcion from Texas A&M present intriguing options.
If General Manager Andrew Berry opts to explore other avenues with those early picks, the Browns still hold the #70 pick in the third round. Here, Indiana's Elijah Sarratt emerges as a compelling candidate.
Elijah Sarratt: A Closer Look
Draft Projection: Round 3
Browns Pick: #70
College: Indiana
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 210 pounds
40-time: 4.62 seconds
Career Stats:
- Receptions: 200
- Yards: 2,978
- Touchdowns: 31
- Games: 40
Strengths: Sarratt is a big-bodied receiver known for his prowess in contested catch situations.
His route running is sharp, and he possesses the long ball speed to stretch defenses. Sarratt's ability to use body and head fakes effectively makes him a savvy route runner, adept at finding the first down marker and maintaining position at the catch point.
His physical mentality and adaptability make him a valuable red zone weapon.
Areas for Improvement: While Sarratt brings a lot to the table, he's not a vertical threat and needs refinement in his release package.
Downfield blocking and expanding his route tree are areas where he could improve. Additionally, his yards after catch (YAC) aren't particularly impressive.
Expert Analysis
Elijah Sarratt turned heads in 2025, becoming a touchdown machine for Indiana with 15 scores, nearly doubling his output from previous seasons. As a well-sized outside receiver, he combines solid ball skills with enough speed to keep defenses honest.
His intelligence in route running is evident as he skillfully manipulates route stems, setting up defenders and creating separation at crucial moments. Sarratt's knack for using head and body fakes, along with varying his route pacing, keeps defenders guessing.
He also excels at integrating his routes into larger offensive concepts, either creating or exploiting traffic to his advantage.
As the draft approaches, the Browns have a chance to make significant strides in addressing their receiving needs. Whether they make a splash early or find a gem like Sarratt later on, the decisions made in this draft could shape the future of Cleveland's offense.