Even after consecutive All-American seasons and an FBS-leading 15 receiving touchdowns, Indiana wide receiver Elijah Sarratt is still facing the doubters. Some might say he lacks the athleticism befitting a top NFL prospect. Others might find issue with his niche style of play. His background as a former zero-star recruit and FCS product could offer some pause.
Sarratt has heard it all ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. But the projected Day 2 selection needs no validation from outsiders. It's why the NFL Combine this week in Indianapolis is so vital for his future, as it represents one of the final chances for Sarratt to prove that he can be a franchise player at the sport's highest level.
"Just my day by day work ethic. Every single day I'm going to put the time in to be the best player I can be," Sarratt said. "In those big moments, I want the pressure on my shoulders. Whether I catch it, whether I drop it, I want that pressure on my shoulders. All those third downs, all those money downs, I want that pressure. I feel like that's what separates me."
At 6-foot-2 and 213 pounds, Sarratt is built to be a prototypical outside receiver in the NFL. He's shown he can consistently win one-on-one routes and contested catches. Back-shoulder throws have become a staple of Sarratt's arsenal. His catch radius is vast, and there's few passes he can't get to.
The volume of production speaks for itself. Sarratt has started 39 career games and played in 51 total. He's earned All-America honors in all four seasons, and he recorded at least one catch in 50 of 51 games played. In three seasons at the FBS level, he's recorded 200 catches for 2,978 yards and 31 touchdowns.
There isn't much that Sarratt hasn't put on tape at this point his career. He's well-traveled, played at virtually every level of Division I football, and succeeded at every school he's been.
So when April 23 comes around and the NFL Draft begins earnest, Sarratt will be waiting anxiously to hear his name called. And it will be called early. But it's just a matter of when, who and where.
First round? That doesn't seem to be in the cards, at least not according to draft analysts. Early second round? It's possible, but depends on how well Sarratt performs at the NFL Combine and IU's Pro Day.
Regardless of when Sarratt comes off the board, though, he'll internalize it as just more motivation to feed his inner underdog.
"I've always believed in myself and believed that I'm the best player every time I step on the field, as anyone should," Sarratt said. "I'm gonna use it as motivation, but I'm gonna keep at it like I always do, keep my processes the same."