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Bucs Nation (TB)

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

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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.

Takes mentioned in this episode

  • FanDuel team · neutral
    “the oddsmakers at FanDuel don’t feel Hardy will be a No. 1 pick with odds set at +12500”

    The speaker mentions the sportsbook and their betting odds for the draft.

  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers team · negative
    “the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are projected to pick 12th overall—an indicator that Dator does not foresee a particularly strong season for Tampa Bay”

    The podcast discusses the team's projected draft position and poor performance.

  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers team · negative
    “the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are projected to pick 12th overall—an indicator that Dator does not foresee a particularly strong season for Tampa Bunny leading into that draft cycle.”

    Mock draft projection indicating a disappointing season.

  • Bucky Irving player · neutral
    “Tampa Bay already has Bucky Irving under contract through 2027”

    The speaker mentions the team's current running back roster.

  • Bucky Irving player · neutral
    “Tampa Bay already has Bucky Irving under contract through 2027”

    Mentioned as a current roster member in the running back room.

  • Bucky Irving player · neutral
    “Tampa Bay already has Bucky Irving under contract through 2027”

    The podcast mentions his current contract status in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' backfield.

  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers team · negative
    “the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are projected to pick 12th overall—an indicator that Dator does not foresee a particularly strong season for Tampa Bay”

    The speaker discusses the mock draft position of the team.

  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers team · negative
    “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.”

    Mock draft projection at 12th overall suggests middling/disappointing 2027 season ahead

  • Bucky Irving player · neutral
    “Tampa Bay already has Bucky Irving under contract through 2027, suggesting the running back room may not be an immediate need.”

    Tampa Bay already has Bucky Irving under contract through 2027, suggesting the running back room may not be an immediate need.

  • Ahmad Hardy player · positive
    “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.”

    Strong 2025 college production with elite efficiency and versatile skill set praised as intriguing prospect

  • Ahmad Hardy player · positive
    “Hardy rushed for 1,649 yards and 16 touchdowns on 256 carries, averaging an impressive 6.4 yards per attempt.”

    Highlighting the player's dominant college performance.

  • Ahmad Hardy player · positive
    “Hardy rushed for 1,649 yards and 16 touchdowns on 256 carries... 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”

    The speaker describes Ahmad Hardy's performance and attributes as a prospect.

  • Ahmad Hardy player · positive
    “Hardy rushed for 1,649 yards and 16 touchdowns on 256 carries, averaging an impressive 6.4 yards per attempt.”

    The podcast describes Hardy's dominant college performance and potential as a draft prospect.

  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers team · negative
    “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.”

    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.

  • Bucky Irving player · neutral
    “Tampa Bay already has Bucky Irving under contract through 2027, suggesting the running back room may not be an immediate need.”

    Factual contract status; neutral mention in context of draft need assessment

  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers team · neutral
    “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.”

    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.