Wide receiver prospect shares detail that will give Packers fans goosebumps ahead of the NFL Draft
Elijah Sarratt knows ball.
After taking Matthew Golden and Savion Williams in the top three rounds last year, the Green Bay Packers might not be in the wide receiver market in the draft this time around — at least not at the top of the process. But it’s impossible not to think about what Indiana wide receiver Elijah Sarratt said during the NFL Scouting Combine.
When discussing his game and back-shoulder connections with quarterback Fernando Mendoza, Sarratt mentioned a connection Packers fans remember pretty well: Aaron Rodgers to Davante Adams.
“Throughout the season, I sent Fernando [Mendoza] clips of Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams when they used to do it,” Sarratt said. “Davante Adams would get his release off the line in around 13, 14 yards. Aaron Rodgers would throw a zip back-shoulder, so I sent him those.”
Sarratt pointed out to Puka Nacua as a style of player that he could mirror his game after.
“There are players everywhere that catch a lot of back-shoulders,” Sarratt explained. “So anytime I see one, I’m like, OK, I can put that in my game because that’s one of my strengths.”
Special connection
Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams played together for eight years in Green Bay — later, they spent another half a season together on the New York Jets. Those back-shoulder connections were impressive, and that’s why both had multiple individual awards over the years. It’s a shame that Adams couldn’t win a ring.
Now, Rodgers is a free agent — even though it’s widely expected that he will return to the Pittsburgh Steelers to reunite with his old-time coach Mike McCarthy. Meanwhile, Adams is under contract with the Los Angeles Rams for one more season after losing another NFC Championship Game.
Elijah Sarratt’s draft profile
Elijah Sarratt is perceived as one of the top wide receivers in this draft class — our own Kyle Crabbs put him at eighth. On the consensus big board, he’s the 11th WR, and the 59th overall prospect.
The Packers have the 52nd overall pick, so it would be realistic to take him. However, there are more pressing needs at other positions, and the Packers have a somewhat comfortable situation at receiver with Golden, Williams, plus veterans Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks — Romeo Doubs is set to hit free agency.
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