The Oregon Ducks are projected to have one of the team's top playmakers go to an AFC powerhouse in the 2027 NFL Draft.
It’s never too early to look ahead at the future NFL Draft classes.
After finishing the 2026 NFL Draft with a total of seven players selected, the Oregon Ducks and head coach Dan Lanning will look to continue his recent success heading into next year’s draft class. And while there is a full season of football ahead of the program, the Ducks are projected to have an ample amount of draft picks in April.
In his latest 2027 NFL mock draft, CBS Sports’ Mike Renner had the Kansas City Chiefs selecting Oregon tight end Jamari Johnson with the No. 28 pick.
“It's become an annual tradition to mock Kansas City a Travis Kelce replacement,” Renner wrote. “Jamari Johnson may not offer Kelce's YAC ability, but he can certainly match his catch radius. The Oregon tight end has a massive frame and plucks the ball out of the air with ease.”
Johnson’s NFL Potential Heading Into 2026 Season
Jan 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Oregon Ducks tight end Jamari Johnson (9) reacts after a touchdown by a teammate against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the second half of the 2025 Orange Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn ImagesJohnson, a former four-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, spent his first two college football seasons with the Louisville Cardinals before entering the transfer portal and landing with the Ducks in 2025. This proved to be an excellent choice for the rising playmaker, as he quickly became a key piece to Oregon’s offense last season.
During his first year in Eugene, Johnson recorded 510 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 32 receptions. This incredible debut was also done behind the likes of former star tight end and 2026 first-round pick Kenyon Sadiq, making his efforts last season even more impressive.
Standing at 6-foot-5, 257 lbs., Johnson possesses a terrific frame that NFL coaches will fall in love with come next year’s draft. His size, along with his ability to create yards after the catch, makes him a unique receiving threat for whichever NFL team decides to take a gamble on him. Johnson ended his 2025 campaign averaging 12.2 yards per reception, as his skill set and size make him a versatile playmaker.
Johnson, along with quarterback Dante Moore and defensive tackle A’Mauri Washington, are set to become the top players from Oregon heading into the 2027 NFL Draft. Lanning was able to retain multiple veterans from last season for the 2026 season, which should not only increase their draft stock but also help the Ducks’ quest for a National Championship.
Ducks Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Oregon Ducks. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.
