Jun 10, 2026 5:00 PM

Texans fans, keep an eye on Jamari Johnson throughout the season.

Brett Sobleski at Bleacher Report released his latest way-too-early 2027 NFL mock draft, where the Houston Texans added Oregon tight end Jamari Johnson in the first round. Johnson’s elite explosiveness and pass-catching prowess would give CJ Stroud a dynamic weapon and elevate the offense.

Tight end isn’t the most pressing need for Houston. Dalton Shultz has been fantastic, having 82 receptions for 777 yards and three touchdowns in 2025, but he’s aging, and they lack a consistent option behind him. Sobleski laid this out as a major reason for this selection.

“Dalton Schultz is Mr. Reliable. He's played in 15 or more games, with at least 53 receptions and 532 receiving yards, in six straight seasons. Although, he's only signed through the 2027 campaign when he'll be 31 years old,” Sobleski wrote. “The Houston Texans could use a more dynamic threat at tight end.”

Johnson had an exceptional 2025 campaign despite playing behind first-round pick Kenyon Sadiq. In limited snaps, he tallied 32 receptions, 510 yards, and three touchdowns. This alone is impressive, but a majority of his production came from the back half of the year. In his first six weeks, Johnson had 54 yards receiving. He fought for his snaps, eventually battling Sadiq and earning his opportunity. Now, he’s set to be the clear first option at Oregon.

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The six-foot-five, 257-pound senior is an amazing athlete and is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. Johnson is too quick and agile for most linebackers, yet his staggering strength allows him to dominate opposing defensive backs. As a result, he's a weapon against man coverage. Similarly, in zone coverage, he understands space and excels at finding an open gap and throttling down. He’s a consistent option for the quarterback regardless of the coverage. This makes him a desirable player for any offense.

Beyond that, Johnson’s a good blocker, but his technique needs refinement. He struggles to set the edge against defensive linemen consistently. However, he’s still able to eliminate second-level defenders against the run. The potential is there, but it needs improvement in 2026.

Obviously, it’s far too early to name Johnson as a perfect fit for the Texans. Lots of things will change throughout the season. However, fans should keep a close eye on him. His superb athleticism and pass-catching prowess make him an intriguing prospect who could be a dynamic option for CJ Stroud. The potential is evident, and he’s someone who could be under consideration next April.

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