Indiana's Elijah Sarratt Could Fix Minnesota's Third-Down Woes

The Minnesota Vikings’ offense was inconsistent in 2025, to say the least. It had many shortcomings, but the issue was specifically highlighted in its third-down conversion percentage. Minnesota converted only 31.8% of third downs into first downs, dead last in the league. Fortunately, Indiana’s Elijah Sarratt can help them improve those numbers.

Of course, if a team can’t move the chains on third down, it will result in an underachieving offense. The Vikings definitely were that, finishing in the bottom 10 in both yards and points in 2025.

Lucky for the Vikings, Sarratt can help fix this issue immediately.

The Hoosiers were the top team in third-down conversion percentage in all of college football in 2025. It was one of the main reasons why they won the National Championship this year. Sarratt was a major reason the Hoosiers converted on key downs in 2025. He also showed consistent strength in this area, converting 43 of 53 catches into first downs or touchdowns in 2024.

Sarratt also excels in the intermediate passing game. By running crisp routes and living in the film room, he thrives in finding pockets in coverage to convert on key downs.

Draft experts have routinely complimented Sarratt for his controlled and crafty route-running abilities. It’s a highly coveted skill in the Kevin O’Connell offense because it allows them to move the ball in high-leverage situations. The intermediate specialist role has been lacking in the Vikings’ WR room since K.J. Osborn left.

Scouts have noted that Sarratt brings a physical mentality to the outside blocking game, which, again, is a desired trait in WRs in O’Connell’s West Coast-style offense. That skill pairs well with a running back like Aaron Jones, who does his best work running to the outside. With his above-average 6’2”, 210 lb. frame, Sarratt can get his hands on defenders and help spring those big outside run plays.

To pair with his physical play style in the run game, Sarratt uses his frame to dominate 50/50-ball situations and also uses his catch-space strength to excel in back-shoulder fades in the red zone. His astonishing 44 career receiving TDs lead all active FBS receivers. Fifteen of those came in 2025 on the Hoosiers' National Championship run, which led the NCAA this past season. That sort of efficiency earned him Second-Team All-Big Ten in 2025 and Third-Team All-Big Ten in 2024.

Finally, another major reason why Sarratt would fit with Minnesota’s needs so well is filling the outside WR role in the offense. The Vikings ran WR3-personnel offensive packages at 63.8% of the time in 2025, according to Sharp Football Analysis. That mark was among the top in the league this past season.

With the offense consistently employing three WRs on the field, there is an immediate role for Sarratt to fill, with Jalen Nailor leaving in free agency to join the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason. If the Vikings choose to bring in an outside WR like Sarratt, they can move a versatile WR like Jordan Addison to the inside to help take the offense to another level.

With any prospect, there are areas for improvement. Experts have noted Sarratt’s lack of explosiveness, and his 4.53 40-yard dash didn’t help that narrative. As a result, he won’t be a dynamic vertical threat with top-end speed. Related to this concern, some experts have noted that he needs to improve his release packages off the line. Even with these concerns, though, Sarratt has clearly thrived against top competition.

Elijah Sarratt is projected to go in the third round of the draft. The Vikings will have two third-round draft picks this year, so snagging Sarratt at his projected spot is realistic. Minnesota has a clear need for a WR3 this offseason, and Sarratt fits the profile that the Vikings need in that role. Also, bringing in players with championship experience only helps build a winning culture. Heck, maybe picking up Sarratt would help form a new Three Deep trio that could help the QB of the future … whoever that might be.