The Baltimore Ravens put a primary focus on adding size, physicality, and mental toughness. That was especially true for the wide receiver position. In fact, they double-dipped in that area.
In the third round, Baltimore drafted Ja’Kobi Lane at No. 80. At 6-foot-4, he has all the size you could ask for in a wideout. However, that wasn’t enough, as they came back on Day 3 and selected Elijah Sarratt in the fourth round at No. 115.
On Friday, the Ravens officially kicked off their rookie minicamp. It’s a huge offseason ahead, as they look to bounce back from a poor 2025 campaign. It’ll also pose the opportunity for players to win starting jobs, and among those could be Sarratt, who may turn the tables on Lane if he outperforms him in camp.
Baltimore Ravens’ young target could jump draft-classmate in anticipated rookie battle
Baltimore needed receiver help this offseason, and they seem to have found that with Lane and Sarratt. Neither is guaranteed to take on substantial snaps in their rookie season; however, they should have every chance to do so.
Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman are the only sure-fire starters. There should be one spot up for grabs. Heck, maybe even two if Bateman continues to disappoint after a lackluster 2025 campaign. For now, though, it’s between Lane and Sarratt, and many actually believe it’s Sarratt’s job to take.
FanSided’s Mike Luciano recently reviewed every draft class, and he gave the Ravens an 'A-'. His favorite pick was Vega Ioane, but his least favorite, if he had to pick one, was Ja’Kobi Lane. He also noted that he likes Sarratt more.
“I actually feel like Elijah Sarratt, who [the Ravens] ended up taking in the fourth round, I think he’s a much better prospect than Ja’Kobi Lane,” Luciano said. “And it would surprise me not one iota if he ends up getting more snaps than him in the regular season.”
Sarratt was believed to be the more polished prospect by most experts heading into the draft, and they’ve maintained that thought coming out of the draft. That’s not to say Lane isn’t talented, but most believe Sarratt is more league-made.
The former Indiana star had far better production than Lane in college, and could have an easier time translating his talent to the NFL level. Sarratt is just as physical, demanding space every time the ball is thrown his way. He runs better routes than Lane, too. But the biggest thing Sarratt has going for him? His versatility.
Sarratt has shown he can win on the outside. That’s not really a question. However, there have also been rumblings about him being a big slot in the pros. If he continues to showcase that talent, his extra bit of versatility could immediately slot him ahead of Lane on the depth chart.
Regardless of what happens, the battle between Lane and Sarratt will be fun to watch. The Ravens have lacked physicality on the outside for pretty much the entirety of the Lamar Jackson era, so now having a ton of potential in that aspect should bring fans a major sigh of relief.
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