Ravens' Elijah Sarratt selection fires warning shot at defenses across the NFL

The Baltimore Ravens started Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft with a bang. With their first fourth-round pick at No. 115 overall, they selected wide receiver Elijah Sarratt out of Indiana. They got themselves some National Championship-winning DNA.

Sarratt is another tall, physical wideout. On Friday night, Baltimore drafted Ja’Kobi Lane at No. 80, who stands at 6-foot-4. Now, they follow that up by drafting the 6-foot-2, 210-pound Sarratt.

After lacking size on the outside over the last few seasons, the Ravens are sending a clear message on offense. Not only are they going to pound the rock with a fearsome running back in Derrick Henry, but they’re looking to dominate opposing defenses with big-bodied wide receivers on the outside, too. New offensive coordinator Declan Doyle has said his unit will be hunting explosive plays in 2026, but it looks like they’ll also be built on physicality.

Baltimore Ravens add Elijah Sarratt in physicality-focused draft move

Baltimore desperately needed wide receiver help. Zay Flowers was the only consistently productive weapon for Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley to throw to last year. Many believed that the front office would select a wideout early, and they did in the third round with Ja’Kobi Lane. Turns out, though, there’s an even larger focus there. The Elijah Sarratt pick makes it two wide receivers taken within their first four selections.

In prior years, the Ravens haven’t been able to win those 50/50 balls consistently. They haven’t really even had a weapon to turn to in those situations. DeAndre Hopkins was good, but barely saw the field, and Isaiah Likely was that mold of player, but joined the New York Giants in free agency.

Physicality was a huge need, and the Ravens needed to return to their bully brand of football by adding size. They addressed it in a big-time way with two of the biggest wide receivers in the NFL Draft.

Sarratt and Lane are very reliable in contested catch situations.

There are valid concerns about each of their route-running struggles. A good chunk of their targets come in contested situations. However, when you have nearly unguardable size and an excellent ability to adjust at the catch point, players like Sarratt and Lane are going to be dangerous nonetheless. Baltimore’s offense will also have route extraordinaires in Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman playing alongside them.

It's looking like a strong, well-rounded group coming together. Of course, Sarratt and Lane haven’t proved anything yet, but in terms of measureables, athleticism, and talent, the 2026 iteration of the Ravens’ wide receiver room should look vastly better than it was in 2025. Lamar Jackson will certainly have a lot of fun and success throwing to this group.

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