The Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted DeMonte Capehart with the 155th pick of the NFL Draft in the fifth round. Defensive tackle was a potential need for the Bucs as the team lacked many reliable options behind the great Vita Vea. The team currently also rosters Rakeem Nunes-Roches, A’Shawn Robinson, and Elijah Roberts.
Capehart spent six years at the University of Clemson, where he totaled 72 combined tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks over 57 games. Given his age, he is probably a low ceiling prospect, but he can become a rotational interior defensive lineman almost immediately for the Buccaneers.
Draft Analysts Viewed Capehart as a Day Three Prospect
GettyCapehart graded out as a day three prospect despite decent production in college.
PFF ranked Capehart as the 163rd best prospect overall in the NFL Draft this year. He received decent grades over the last three seasons as he never dropped below 70 in their system. In 2025, he got a 74.5 run defense grade. His pass rush grades were fairly average as he only got a 61.9 pass rush grade and a 61.6 grade in true pass rush sets.
PFF said, “Capehart is a long, experienced defensive tackle best suited for a nose role. His length is an asset, but he must use it more consistently when stacking and rushing. Limited twitch and slower block-shedding cap his ceiling, though he can contribute as a rotational run defender in a 3-4.”
Given the Buccaneers run a 3-4 defense, Capehart should fit perfectly inside Todd Bowles defensive scheme.
Dane Brugler ranked Capehart as the 16th best defensive tackle in the class and gave him a round 5-6 grade. Brugler acknowledged Capehart was only a rotational player and was used in many jumbo, goal line formations. However, Brugler praised Capehart’s overall athleticism and traits for the position.
Brugler said, “Capehart has impressive traits and flashes disruptive ability, but he hasn’t been able to take that next step in his development. Though he doesn’t earn a starter projection, he can make an impact as a rotational plugger, regardless of scheme.”
DeMonte Capehart Athletic Profile
GettyDeMonte Capehart has an incredible athletic profile after testing this offseason.
Capehart received a 9.96 RAS Score after testing at the NFL Combine and his pro day. He ranks as the ninth most athletic defensive tackle since 1987. He excelled in all facets of his workout. He is just above 6’4” and weighs between 312 and 313 lbs, an excellent height and weight for his position. His speed scores were also great as he ran a 4.85 40 yard dash, 2.81 20 yard split, and a 1.71 10 yard split. The explosion drills are also of note after having a 33.5” vertical jump and a 8’11” broad jump.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Draft DeMonte Capehart with 155th Pick