In the 2027 mock draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are projected to select running back Ahmad Hardy with the 12th overall pick. This selection suggests a lackluster upcoming season for the Buccaneers.
Key points
Tampa Bay Buccaneers projected to pick 12th overall in 2027 draft
Ahmad Hardy rushed for 1,649 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2025
Hardy is noted for his vision, burst, and physical running style
Tampa Bay BuccaneersAhmad HardyNCAA
Missouri Tigers running back Ahmad Hardy (29) reacts to his first down pickup during the first quarter of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at EverBank Stadium, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, in Jacksonville. Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] | Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Missouri Tigers running back Ahmad Hardy (29) reacts to his first down pickup during the first quarter of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at EverBank Stadium, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, in Jacksonville. Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] | Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
In a 2027 mock draft from James Dator of SB Nation, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are projected to pick 12th overallâan indicator that Dator does not foresee a particularly strong season for Tampa Bay leading into that draft cycle. Sitting just outside the top 10 typically reflects a middling or disappointing record rather than true contention.
Bummer.
With that selection, Dator has the Buccaneers landing Ahmad Hardy, a dynamic playmaker coming off a dominant 2025 campaign at Missouri. Hardy rushed for 1,649 yards and 16 touchdowns on 256 carries, averaging an impressive 6.4 yards per attempt . His blend of vision, burst, and physical running styleâpaired with proven production against SEC competitionâmakes him one of the more intriguing offensive prospects in the class.
However, the fit could raise questions. Tampa Bay already has Bucky Irving under contract through 2027, suggesting the running back room may not be an immediate need. Drafting Hardy could signal a future transition plan or a desire to build a deeper, more versatile backfield rather than addressing more pressing roster holes.
Could Hardy land near or around the Bucs spot in the draft if they are indeed looking at a running back? Perhaps. Anything can change but at least the oddsmakers at FanDuel donât feel Hardy will be a No. 1 pick with odds set at +12500.
Q&A
Who is Ahmad Hardy and what are his college stats?
Ahmad Hardy is a running back from Missouri who rushed for 1,649 yards and 16 touchdowns in the 2025 season.
What does the Buccaneers' 12th pick in the 2027 draft indicate?
The Buccaneers' 12th overall pick suggests they are expected to have a mediocre season, finishing just outside the top 10.
What makes Ahmad Hardy a top prospect in the 2027 draft?
Ahmad Hardy is considered a top prospect due to his impressive performance in college, showcasing vision, burst, and a physical running style.
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