Raiders target Elijah Sarratt, a prolific receiver, reunites with his star quarterback Fernando Mendoza. This dynamic duo could transform Vegas' offense.
After a 3-14 season, at least the Las Vegas Raiders get the benefit of selecting first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. By now, it is probably a given that Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza should and will be the pick, barring a shocking turn of events.
The Raiders need a QB, Mendoza has shown to be a legitimate starting QB, and passing on him could be a detrimental blow to the future of the franchise.
The 2026 NFL Draft will be very important, and finding playmakers to add to Mendoza, if he is the pick, is an obvious need.
Max Chadwick of Pro Football Focus had a perfect fit for every team, and he had Indiana Hoosiers WR Elijah Sarratt as the one for the Raiders.
"You can almost write it in ink that the Raiders will select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick. At No. 36 overall, Las Vegas would be wise to reunite the Heisman Trophy winner with his favorite wide receiver. Sarratt’s 15 receiving touchdowns this season are the most among all receivers in college football, while his 88.9 PFF receiving grade ranks sixth."
Sarratt was with Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti at James Madison and followed him over to Indiana.
Some experts have Sarratt viewed as a second-round draft pick, so the Raiders potentially grabbing two Hoosiers players early in the draft could be a wise decision.
Sarratt also spoke about his relationship with Mendoza even before the season began, via Matt Weaver of 247Sports.
"That's my guy right there, and not just on the field. Off the field we're tight. Just outside of football he's a good dude and somebody you would want to be around and somebody you would want to hang out with. We talk about stuff other than football so it's been good."
"His arm talent is great," Sarratt said. "One of the best arm talents I feel like in the nation. Anticipation-wise, it's been going good. Of course he's new to the offense so sometimes he's going to be late on stuff, but for the most part he's been looking really good."
Sarratt has developed quite the relationship with Mendoza this year. Entering the national title game, Sarratt has 62 receptions for 802 yards with 15 touchdowns, and he had seven catches for 75 yards and two scores in the Peach Bowl win over the Oregon Ducks, so seeing them both in Raiders jerseys next season could be exciting.