SB Nation 2027 Mock Draft: Buccaneers draft a running back at 12

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 overall—an 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 style—paired with proven production against SEC competition—makes 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 don’t feel Hardy will be a No. 1 pick with odds set at +12500.