Ravens GM Eric DeCosta said after drafting WR Elijah Sarratt that the team believes he can play both outside and in the slot. "We think he’s really, really good inside," DeCosta added. Sarratt spent most of his time in college on the outside, but there are reasons to believe that the slot might be a better fit.
More from DeCosta on Sarratt: "Big body, strong hands, contested catch, probably a guy that can play outside or inside. We think he’s really, really good inside. Really a good back shoulder fade type of receiver. Physical. We just think he’s a really good fit for what we want to do offensively."
Sarratt ran just 15.8% of his college routes from the slot, including 13.7% at Indiana last year.
But WR guru Matt Harmon of Reception Perception believes the slot might be Sarratt's best spot as a pro.
"He looks like the perfect candidate to go from a perimeter on-ball college receiver to a condensed Z and big slot in the NFL," Harmon posted on X. "Below average success rates vs. man and press coverage, but posted an 83.3% success rate vs. zone coverage, second-best in the class. His toughness, smarts and great hands will be better expressed inside than outside in the pros."
The Ravens took WR Ja'Kobi Lane, who ran 83% of his college routes from the outside, in Round 3 and return WRs Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, who have spent over 65% of their NFL time on the outside.
So Sarratt could have a relatively clear path to the starting slot job this season. The rookie is worth considering as an end-of-draft flier in redraft leagues -- although he looks overvalued in dynasty rookie drafts.
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