With the offseason in full swing, the Philadelphia Eagles are already deep into 2026 prep mode - and that includes sharpening their strategy for April’s NFL Draft. While the front office is evaluating needs across the board, one position that continues to draw attention is wide receiver. And after the recent college football National Championship game, there’s one name that may be circling high on their draft board: Indiana’s Elijah Sarratt.
Elijah Sarratt: A Quiet Title Game, But a Loud College Career
The National Championship matchup between the undefeated Indiana Hoosiers and the Miami Hurricanes had all the makings of a classic - and it delivered. Indiana edged out Miami 27-21 to claim their first-ever national title, and while Sarratt didn’t light up the stat sheet (just three catches for 28 yards), his body of work over the past three seasons speaks volumes.
What Sarratt brings to the table isn’t just about one game. It’s about sustained production and growth.
In 2025, he hauled in 65 passes for 830 yards and led the nation with 15 touchdown receptions - a serious red zone threat. That followed a strong 2024 campaign where he posted 53 catches for 957 yards and eight scores.
And before transferring to Indiana, he tore it up at James Madison in 2023 with 82 receptions for 1,191 yards and eight touchdowns.
He’s been recognized at every stop, earning first-team All-Sun Belt honors in 2023, then climbing the Big Ten ranks with third-team honors in 2024 and second-team in 2025. Bottom line: Sarratt produces, no matter the conference or competition.
Why the Eagles Might Be Watching Closely
Sarratt is projected as a late first-round pick, and with the Eagles currently slated to pick at No. 23, the fit is intriguing. Multiple mock drafts have Philly targeting a wide receiver early, and it makes sense.
There are looming questions around the future of A.J. Brown, and even if he stays put, the depth behind him is uncertain.
Jahan Dotson is headed for free agency, and there’s been little indication that he’ll be back in midnight green.
That opens the door for a young, versatile receiver to step in - and Sarratt checks a lot of boxes. At 6-foot-2, 209 pounds, he’s built for the physicality of the NFL.
He’s not a burner, but he doesn’t need to be. What sets him apart is his polish: crisp route-running, strong hands, and a knack for finding soft spots in coverage.
He profiles as a slot receiver who can do damage underneath and in the red zone - a reliable target who complements the Eagles’ current playmakers.
A Deep WR Class, But Sarratt Deserves a Long Look
This year’s draft class is loaded with wide receiver talent, which gives the Eagles options. But Sarratt’s combination of production, size, and route-running savvy makes him a compelling candidate. He may not have had a headline-grabbing performance in the title game, but the tape - and the numbers - tell the real story.
If the Eagles are serious about retooling their offense and giving Jalen Hurts another weapon, Sarratt is a name worth knowing. He’s shown he can adapt, produce, and elevate his game at every level. That’s the kind of player who fits right into what Philly needs heading into 2026.