{"id":869372,"date":"2026-04-18T19:27:38","date_gmt":"2026-04-18T19:27:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/869372\/"},"modified":"2026-04-18T19:27:38","modified_gmt":"2026-04-18T19:27:38","slug":"colts-could-replace-michael-pittman-with-elijah-sarratt-in-the-2026-nfl-draft-but-it-would-be-in-the-middle-rounds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/869372\/","title":{"rendered":"Colts could replace Michael Pittman with Elijah Sarratt in the 2026 NFL Draft, but it would be in the middle rounds"},"content":{"rendered":"

When the Indianapolis Colts<\/a> traded Michael Pittman Jr. to relieve some cap space, they also knew the 2026 NFL Draft should be the way to replace him, as they need a cheap, young option. According to reports, if the team goes to the third round, and WR Elijah Sarratt is still on the board, he could be a great option for the team.<\/p>\n

According to Mike Chappell of FOX59, \u201cSarratt might be the type of prospect on Ballard\u2019s radar, perhaps in round 3.\u201d And it makes sense. As Chappell pointed out, the team\u2019s priority are pass rusher and an NFL<\/a>-ready linebacker. However, the Colts don\u2019t have a first-rounder, so come round three, Sarratt could change the plans.<\/p>\n

The Colts\u2019 first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft<\/a> comes with the 47th overall selection. Then, they have the 78th pick in the third round. That could be Sarratt, unless there\u2019s a linebacker that the Colts are enamored with. <\/p>\n

Sarratt\u2019s stock could actually be higher<\/p>\n

Projected as a mid-to-late Day 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Sarratt could easily be the sleeper pick of this class. At 6\u20192\u2033, 211 lbs, Sarratt is considered a high-floor, physical receiver with plenty of contested-catch ability. While not regarded as a top-tier route runner, he does have ability in that regard.<\/p>\n

His NFL comp could be Keenan Allen, and after winning the National Championship with Indiana, his stock should have been elevated. He also recorded a 4.4-second 40-yard dash. In his breakout season with the Hoosiers, he had 830 yards with 15 touchdowns on 65 receptions.<\/p>\n

Sarratt would fit perfectly with the Colts<\/p>\n

Just as Pittman was, Sarratt would bring reliability, strong hands, and big body to target on the middle of the field. However, Sarratt also brings verticality and the ability to be used as an outside-the-numbers threat. <\/p>\n

Also, having played at Indiana, he already has local ties to the city. The Colts would love to keep him home. He would arguably become a starter from Day 1, alongside Alec Pierce and Josh Downs.<\/p>\n

\"Bruno<\/a><\/p>\n