NFL free agency began earlier this week, and the Las Vegas Raiders have been the most active team in the league. The Raiders are widely expected to select Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza with the 1st overall pick in April's NFL Draft, and the franchise is already hard at work building a competitive roster around him.
Hoosiers have no one but themselves to blame if they miss the NCAA Tournament
The Raiders brought in a total of eight free agents earlier this week, which includes one of the best centers in the league in Tyler Linderbaum, Las Vegas and under-the-radar WR Jalen Nailor. Vegas also added plenty of defensive help, signing two of the best defensive players on the market in Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean.
The Raiders then pulled off a blockbuster trade by sending 5-time Pro Bowler Maxx Crosby to the Ravens for a pair of First Round picks, including the No. 14 overall pick in this year's draft. However, that trade got turned upside down when the Ravens backed out at the last possible second. The Raiders lost that No. 14 overall pick, and are now back to owning one pick in each of the first three rounds of the upcoming NFL Draft.
Could the Raiders use those picks to team up a par of Hoosier greats in the NFL?
This Hoosier combination could yield great results for the Raiders
Following the news of Crosby's return to Las Vegas, a Raiders 3-Round Mock Draft from Saturday Blitz has Las Vegas giving Mendoza a familiar target. After selecting Mendoza No. 1 overall, Saturday Blitz has the Raiders selecting Indiana WR Elijah Sarratt in the 3rd Round with the No. 67 overall selection.
Mendoza and Sarratt showed incredible chemistry in Bloomington this past season, and Sarratt played a vital role in Mendoza's Heisman Trophy winning season. Sarratt racked up 65 catches for 830 yards and an NCAA-leading 15 receiving touchdowns on the season. At one point, he had at least one touchdown in nine straight games this season.
Sarratt put together a strong performance in Indiana's CFP title run, as he had 4 catches for 40 yards and a touchdown against Alabama in the Rose Bowl and 7 catches for 75 yards and 2 touchdowns in the Peach Bowl against Oregon.
Mendoza already has some solid weapons in place with RB Ashton Jeanty, TE Brock Bowers, and newly-acquired WR Jalen Nailor, but adding Sarratt to that mix could yield great results for the Raiders in 2026 and beyond. The Raiders could use plenty of wide receiver help, and Sarratt's skill set along with his strong chemistry with Mendoza could make him a solid option for Las Vegas.