The team's primary focus may still be on the development of the 2026 class, but early projections are already starting to connect the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to future offensive help in the 2027 NFL draft, especially at tight end.

In a way-too-early mock draft from USA Today’s Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, Tampa Bay is projected to select Jamari Johnson at No. 12 overall in 2027. The projection points to Johnson’s size at 6-foot-5 and 257 pounds, along with his ability to contribute both inline and as a receiver who can win downfield and after the catch.

The connection checks out when looking at how the board fell for the Bucs in the 2026 draft. Kenyon Sadiq was a popular fit for Tampa Bay leading into the draft, but the Buccaneers ended up addressing defense with their top selections.

If the offense does feel the loss of a larger-bodied presence in the passing game following Mike Evans, targeting a tight end with size and versatility becomes a logical path forward.

Johnson fits that mold. He can handle traditional tight end responsibilities while still functioning as a receiving threat, which aligns with how offenses increasingly use the position.

For now, it remains an early projection, but the connection between Tampa Bay and another Oregon tight end highlights how the roster could continue to evolve on the offensive side of the ball.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Bucs land a different Oregon TE in Jamari Johnson on 2027 NFL Mock