Oregon's Jamari Johnson Receives Strong Draft Projection

Oregon Ducks tight end Jamari Johnson is solidifying his place as a star after a strong performance in the win over the USC Trojans.

Johnson was the leading weapon for an offense that was without star quarterback Dante Moore for much of the game after a brutal hit took him out. Moore was diagnosed with a concussion, but nothing else, as the MRI and CT scans came back clean.

While the Ducks will hope Moore can get back on the field soon, backup quarterback Dylan Raiola was effective, as he completed 19 of 25 passes for 289 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. 

Johnson was the top target in Oregon's passing attack as he had seven receptions for 119 yards. He is establishing himself as one of the best tight ends in the country and could be an early selection in the 2027 NFL Draft.

In Sports Illustrated's latest mock draft, Johnson lands with the New Orleans Saints with the 14th overall pick. He is tough for defenses to match up against and could be a great fit for the Saints' young offense led by quarterback Tyler Shough.

Johnson missed the last two games, but has had a big impact in the passing game for the Ducks when on the field. He was a great weapon for Moore and Oregon's offense in 2025, as he had 32 receptions for 510 yards and three touchdowns.

Johnson put up those numbers while playing alongside another elite tight end, Kenyon Sadiq. Sadiq also put up strong numbers for the Ducks in 2025, catching 51 passes for 560 yards and eight touchdowns.

He went on to be selected by the New York Jets with the 16th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Johnson likely would've been a first- or second-round pick had he declared for the draft, but he opted to stay at Oregon for another season.

The Ducks have a talented roster and a shot at competing for a National Championship despite an early-season loss to the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Oregon has reset with their win over USC and are back in the mix to land a spot in the College Football Playoff with players like Johnson stepping up.

If Johnson continues to play at the level he did against USC, he will, without a doubt, be the best tight end in the 2027 class and could be a first-round pick.