Dabo Swinney Describes Bucs DT DeMonte Capehart
April 25th, 2026
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney.
Well, someone at Clemson knows how the media business works.
It seemed that no sooner did new Bucs defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart got off the phone with Todd Bowles, someone at Clemson’s sports information office emailed the Bucs quotes from Clemson coach Dabo Swinney on Capehart.
That’s how the job is done, boys!
So since Swinney and some unknown Clemson suit in the SID office there went through this trouble on a Saturday afternoon, Joe’s not going to waste a welcomed extra effort.
Based on Swinney’s quote, the Bucs got a big ol’ fun toy to play with.
“DeMonte Capehart is just a freak of a big man,” Swinney said. “He’s got rare ability for a guy his size to be able to manipulate other people against their will.
“I mean he is really gifted, especially when it comes to stopping the run. He’s way more athletic than you think. He’s still a maturing football player; I think his best football is ahead of him.
“[The Bucs] are getting someone who I think is a first-round talent. I’ve had a lot of first-round defensive linemen, and I think he is a first-round talent, even though he didn’t go in the first round.I’m really excited for him. I’m proud of him.
“He’s a very loyal kid. He’s grown and matured. He’s a great teammate and I think he has a chance to play a long time.”
Memo to Ohio State, Georgia, Indiana, Notre Dame, Michigan, USC, Alabama, Penn State, Texas, Oklahoma and other powerhouse college programs. Have your coaches get quotes about drafted players and email those quotes to the NFL teams that draft your players right after the player is drafted.
Swinney has his football office organized, man. Good, smart marketing.
Joe knows this about Capehart: good luck moving him far off the line at 313+ pounds.
April 25th, 2026 at 4:03 pm
Sounds like a solid 5 th round pick
April 25th, 2026 at 4:05 pm
Im a Gamecock but Ive always loved Swinney and the way he works. He knew I was a gamecock from my shirt and we still had a good interaction with each other years ago…all respect for him. And yeah, thats a great idea Joe. Their season isnt done even though theyre off your team.
April 25th, 2026 at 4:08 pm
If even half true this is incredible news
April 25th, 2026 at 4:16 pm
Our new NT to help out Big V when he’s resting. Great pick!
April 25th, 2026 at 4:19 pm
Loving the draft so far.
Our D line is going to look very different this year. Lots of competition!
Good work Jason and Todd 👍🏼
April 25th, 2026 at 4:19 pm
We didn’t get McDonald like I’d hoped, but Capehart could very well surprise a lot of folks. Everyone years ago raved about how quick & fast (5.10 sec in the 40) Vita Vea was for a player his size (6’4″ & 347 lbs).
Well, DeMonte Capehart (6’5″ & 313 lbs) isn’t THAT heavy, but he was faster at his Combine (4.85 secs in the 40). Not known for his pass rushing, but by all accounts excellent against the run. MAYBE with Vea & Capehart & Robinson in there, Bucs will do considerably better stopping 3rd down conversions & minimizing TDs in the Red Zone.
April 25th, 2026 at 4:19 pm
“…manipulate other people against their will.” Now that’s what I like to hear about a DT for the Bucs! I hope that he also brings a nasty attitude to the defensive line.
April 25th, 2026 at 4:20 pm
If this is true, then why wasn’t he ever a full time starter? Also, why with a 9.96 RAS score and having great speed for the position is he primarily just a 2-down run stuffer? I’m not dissing the pick at all, I like the pick, but for people that watched him in college, why wasn’t he used more? Legit question – not a comment.
April 25th, 2026 at 4:22 pm
Echo Defense Rules sentiment. Solid pick.
April 25th, 2026 at 4:22 pm
Maybe Vita and Capeheart can create enough of a shadow so that Kancey can sneek through.
April 25th, 2026 at 4:22 pm
Depth and rotation to keep our older DTs fresh. Love vea but he’s getting a little long in the tooth and we added Robinson but he too is gettin up there. This kid can learn from these studs
April 25th, 2026 at 4:23 pm
Having two big guys needing double blocking in the middle should open up some space for a blitz. Maybe even have an edge or two get at the QB once in a while, let alone the two DT’s themselves. A guy can dream.
April 25th, 2026 at 4:24 pm
He was the backup to the Clemson DT that the Chiefs drafted in the first round.
So he doesn’t have a ton of statistics.
He ran a 4.85: which is insanely fast for his size.
He’s the 6-5. 315 pound DT that I wanted.
He’s an NFL athlete at DT. Great value for a 5th round pick.
Bain can rush from the DT spot on passing downs.
While Capehart is a run stuffer.
Amazing value.
April 25th, 2026 at 4:31 pm
Just have him follow Vita & A’Shawn around all summer. NT/3-Tech/4i, any of the interior techniques
April 25th, 2026 at 4:32 pm
Teacherman – thanks for a bit more detail.
April 25th, 2026 at 4:33 pm
Capeheart was an All-American at IMG Academy
He played in the High School Under Armor Bowl
He has the talent and size to be a good DT
April 25th, 2026 at 4:33 pm
At that size/speed combo, get him a Steak N Shake giftcard and he can put on another 30 lbs by the time camp starts, can probably still be in the Vita 5.1 40 range even with the extra weight. If he’s going to be a run stuffer, lean into it and bulk him up even more.
April 25th, 2026 at 4:49 pm
All looks good except that LB pick. Sure hope the Bucs know more than anyone else. Hopefully they are looking to keep that now Bucs trademark, you know leave the middle of the field wide open for the receivers
April 25th, 2026 at 5:06 pm
Great pick. Greg gaines replacement. Vea, Kancey (sometimes;), Capeheart, Rogers, Robinson, Nacho (maybe). Much better rotation than last year. Hopefully we can stay healthy. For once.
April 25th, 2026 at 5:15 pm
Capehart looks like a good pick in the 5th. Hope he can rotate with Vita.
As far as Dabo talking him up, he has to, said a couple years ago that he’d quit coaching if players got nil deals. He’s still there so maybe the only way to get players there is to talk them up. Clemson kinda fell off the radar when those deals started.😄
April 25th, 2026 at 5:26 pm
I’m thinking this guy is going to be a pleasant surprise.
April 25th, 2026 at 5:47 pm
Rod, no food vouchers please. Sapp learned his lesson about being over weight and if this guy plays at that weight with that frame or even loses a few pounds in this heat it will serve him well. Also, how many of these guys aren’t even done growing yet? Will be interesting in a few years as they mature, they’re not there yet.
April 25th, 2026 at 5:54 pm
Vea and I thank you!
April 25th, 2026 at 5:57 pm
Hey, Crosby was a 4th rounder, you never know