In his latest 2027 NFL mock draft for Pro Football Focus, Gordon McGuinness projects Tampa Bay to select Oregon quarterback Dante Moore with the fifth overall pick. It's a surprising direction considering the Buccaneers signed Baker Mayfield to a three-year contract extension before the season, keeping him under contract through 2029.
Moore is ranked third on PFF's 2027 draft board after earning a 90.2 overall grade during the 2025 college season. Before suffering a concussion this season, he had recorded a 4.0% big-time throw rate and a 1.8% turnover-worthy play rate, numbers that help explain why he remains one of the more intriguing quarterback prospects in the class.
The selection would raise an interesting question for Tampa Bay. With Mayfield
under contract for several more seasons, would the Buccaneers really use a top-five pick on his potential successor rather than addressing another position?
Mayfield's injury has forced Tampa Bay to turn to undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels, but the team's struggles haven't been limited to the quarterback position. The Buccaneers have dealt with inconsistent offensive production and protection issues, making it difficult to use such a valuable selection on another quarterback.
There is also plenty of football remaining before the draft order is finalized. Tampa Bay earned its first victory of the season with a 24-16 win over Dallas in Week 5, and additional victories could move the Buccaneers well outside the range needed to select Moore.
For now, the projection is more of a reflection of Tampa Bay's disappointing start than an indication the organization is preparing to move on from Mayfield. Still, if the Buccaneers find themselves holding a top-five selection next April, adding a quarterback could be a conversation worth having if they don't trade back.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: PFF mock draft has Buccaneers selecting Baker Mayfield's successor
