Vikings find replacement for T.J. Hockenson in 2027 NFL Mock Draft

The 2027 NFL Draft will take place in Washington, D.C. next year. In that draft, the Vikings still have their first-round pick, but a lot could happen in the next 12 months. Before then, though, there will be plenty of speculation and buildup for the team and who they may add to the roster through the draft in a class that many are saying could be one of generational wealth.

ESPN's Jordan Reid recently released the latest way-too-early 2027 NFL mock draft of the cycle, which has the team going with a replacement in T.J. Hockenson. He has them projected to land Oregon's Jamari Johnson, who will take up a larger target share with Kenyon Sadiq heading to the NFL.

Reid explains the Johnson pick, writing, "With T.J. Hockenson set to be a free agent in 2027, the Vikings could use a tight end. So why not go with the latest Oregon tight end prospect? At 6-foot-5 and 257 pounds, Johnson uses his frame to stretch the deep middle of the field. A smooth athlete for his size, he's capable of playing inline as well as being a flexed out in the passing game. Johnson's size makes it challenging for defenders to bring him down in the open field, and he's a willing blocker who can fit into 12 and 13 personnel sets. With Kenyon Sadiq off to the NFL, it's Johnson's time to shine."

The Vikings could use a dynamic playmaker at the tight end position, and Johnson fits that billing.

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Vikings land Oregon TE Jamari Johnson in 2027 NFL Draft projection