The 2027 NFL Draft feels like forever away, and we’re all caught up in the start of the NFL season. Regardless, it’s never too early to look ahead to the Draft. This weekly series will take a closer look at some of the prospects the Carolina Panthers could select in the 2027 iteration of the Draft. In this series, we’ll only be looking at prospects the Panthers could seriously consider. This week our profile will focus on Oregon Ducks tight end Jamari Johnson.
Bio
Johnson (6’5”, 257 lbs.) was originally
a high school quarterback who showed the versatility to play other positions, including receiver, running back, and defensive end. A fairly highly touted four star recruit, he originally joined the Louisville Cardinals for a couple years before transferring to Oregon. Despite sharing the spotlight with fellow tight end and eventual first round pick Kenyon Sadiq, Johnson managed to put up some solid numbers while providing good run blocking as an inline and slot option. He missed a couple games due to injury so far this season, but has still managed 17 catches for 224 yards and a couple scores in just four games played for the Ducks.
Strengths/Weaknesses
Johnson has elite size and enough athleticism to be a problem in the passing game. He has the speed and wiggle to average 16 yards per catch in 2025, making him one of the best downfield threats at tight end in the Draft. He is a willing and able run blocker and even showed reliability as a pass protector when called upon. Johnson has some versatility, lining up inline or flexed and consistently moving around the offense.
While he does give good effort in the run blocking game, Johnson doesn’t get a whole lot of push. He’s mostly able to hold his ground, but he’ll need to improve his strength and technique at the point of attack in order to be a true three down, inline tight end at the next level. Johnson also benefits from Oregon’s offensive scheme, with almost none of his targets being classified as “contested” or “in traffic.” NFL defenders are able to make those windows smaller, so he’ll have to show he can make those types of plays with defenders in his personal space.
Projection
Jamari Johnson has the size, speed, and catch radius to be a problem over the middle of the field, especially in the intermediate and deep ranges. He’s not especially twitchy, but manages to get open and is a massive target. His blocking needs to improve, and his route tree is a bit limited, but the potential for a three down move tight end is definitely there. The Carolina Panthers have truly run a tight end by committee so far this season, with both Darren Waller and Tommy Tremble notching multi touchdown games. With Waller being on a one year deal and turning 34 last month, the Panthers could look to add to that room with another massive weapon for Bryce Young to target over the middle and in the redzone. Right now, Johnson is seen as a late first/early second round prospect by most outlets, though he could obviously shoot up boards with some big games and a good showing at the Combine in February.
What do you think, Panthers fans? If Jamari Johnson is available when the Panthers select in the 2027 NFL Draft, should they take him? Sound off in the comments!
