Rundown On New Bucs DT DeMonte Capehart
April 28th, 2026
Bucs fifth-round pick DT Demonte Capehart.
It seems new Bucs defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart is a monster of a human being who, perhaps down the road, might have more than a part-time, fill-in role.
Bucs coach Todd Bowles always wants to stop the run. Well, how about stopping the run with a guy who eats up space and is hard to move off the line?
Dane Brugler of The Athletic seems to think there is something to work with that for Capehard, who is a hair under 6-5 and weighs 313 pounds, who the Bucs selected in the fifth round.
A part-time starter at Clemson, Capehart … is a former five-star recruit, he battled injuries early on and struggled to command a full-time role over six years in the program. He averaged just 28.9 defensive snaps per game in 2025 and finished his career with 892 snaps over 57 games.
Capehart is a massive, powerful human who moves like a much smaller person. He fires off the snap with a linear burst (which his combine numbers backed up) and uses full extension to press blockers, lock out and find the football. He is an inconsistent shed player and strains to muddy up the run game. As a pass rusher, he has yet to prove himself as anything more than a pocket pusher.
Capehart, to Joe, sounds like the kind of guy the Bucs wanted Desmond Watson to be last year. You remember him, right? The “Big Gator?” He was 6-6 and weighed anywhere from 449–464 pounds.
But Watson just couldn’t push away the plate. He couldn’t lose the weight. Couldn’t stay away from the dinner table.
And that saddened Joe and not for football reasons. Watson was not going to find too many facilities with state-of-the-art health resources like the Bucs have, with quick, easy access to doctors, counselors and other specialists and professionals to help him shed the pounds. And he couldn’t do it.
Watson, unfortunately, had bigger problems than making an NFL team. But it sure seems like this Capehart is a much more mobile, polished version of Watson.
The way Brugler typed about Capehart, it makes Joe think if he gets a little coaching, he could be something.
Falcons DL Coach Nate Ollie working out Clemson DT DeMonte Capehart (6-5, 315) at Pro Day is a FIT
?Versatile, heavy handed run defender
?99.7 percentile athlete
?33 7/8” arm lengthAnchor won’t move; bull rush moves you
— Clint Goss (@NFLDraftDome) March 14, 2026
April 28th, 2026 at 12:11 am
I seem to remember that Vita’s pass rushing wasn’t that impressive coming out and look what he became.
April 28th, 2026 at 12:11 am
With the right coaching and work ethic, that youngin can be a heck of a player. He has elite movement skills for a man that size.
April 28th, 2026 at 12:17 am
He could add another 40-50 lbs. on that frame and still be fast. Huge leg muscles. Wow!
April 28th, 2026 at 1:01 am
This is the type of guy who if motivated could really be something. All up to him. Basically. He’ll get the coaching. He needs to be in love with the game and improving himself. Worth the risk.
April 28th, 2026 at 1:07 am
In a later pick, a word I hate in early Picks.
Potential.
Another pick I love. He can become a difference maker.
First time in decades, just love these picks. Every single one can become a very good player.
Except Trotter.
If he can get his health, Capehart can become a run stopping Wall for our defense. Can’t wait to see.
April 28th, 2026 at 1:25 am
They’re saying he played 6 years in college. I was surprised to see that he will only be 24 when he takes his first NFL snaps. I figured he’d be 25. His athletic traits almost made me choke on my beer when I read about him. I doubt this guy is gonna have to sit on the practice squad at all his rookie year. Him and Scott along with Bain are the main reasons why I like this draft so much. This guy is destined to get a good many snaps.
April 28th, 2026 at 1:31 am
He already has the work ethic…it’s just a matter of development and teaching him how to care for his body.
I don’t know if he needs to add 40 lbs…but he’ll certainly add muscle and power. That will do the job.
If we develop a pass rush, the DTs will start getting sacks too.
April 28th, 2026 at 1:33 am
Capt.Tim, don’t right off Trotter. Like with any of the players, it’s up to him to earn respect. He’s here now…may as well wait and see.
April 28th, 2026 at 1:59 am
The only thing I don’t get, and it’s why he didn’t go until the 5th, but why is a guy who is that powerful and quick / fast, not a better pass rusher? If he is just going to be a dedicated run stuffer, then yeah, at his size and speed, he could pretty easily put on 30 pounds and still be plenty fast.
But I’d rather keep him around his current weight and try to teach him how to pass rush, although as a 6-year college player I assume they tried and it never took.
Anywho, even if he’s just a good run stuffer and a rotational player, that’s still a win for a 5th round selection.
April 28th, 2026 at 2:10 am
Trotter is going to surprise. He is only 21. After he gets reps he can be just as good as Rodriguez.
April 28th, 2026 at 5:51 am
Will Gholston 2.0?
April 28th, 2026 at 6:00 am
Guess is that DeMonte Capehart will take the place that NT/DT Greg Gaines played in our defense the last 3 years, but hopefully he represents an upgrade at that position. Greg played in all but 2 games in those 3 years, averaged a tad over 400 def snaps each year, and gave us a total of 4 sacks, 11 QB hits, 5 TFLs and 64 tackles (26 solo). Those aren’t Vita Vea type stats, but obviously that’s why Vea starts & Gaines didn’t.
I’m still wondering if Bowles will use more 4 DLinemen formations this season. We’ve got the beef & the talent now IMO, and I’d love to see us use that more and reduce our reliance on blitzing so much.
April 28th, 2026 at 6:08 am
It’s on the clearly talented player here on how far he”ll go.
April 28th, 2026 at 6:21 am
Demonte Capeheart was a lethal pass rusher at IMG
That’s why he was chosen for the Under Armor All American pro
He was a high school All American DT, because of his pass rushing
They don’t rush DT at Clemson that much
That’s why Grady Jarrett was a 5th round draft pick
But once Grady got to the Falcons, he was a top pass rushing DT
Capeheart clearly has pass rushing abilities
April 28th, 2026 at 6:29 am
“” I meant Under Armor All American game “
April 28th, 2026 at 6:36 am
“I’m still wondering if Bowles will use more 4 DLinemen formations this season. We’ve got the beef & the talent now IMO, and I’d love to see us use that more and reduce our reliance on blitzing so much.“
Brother, there are 4 DLmen on the field 70% of the time.
Capehart is a chess piece, any technique on the interior you can think of a DLmen playing, he can line up there. Not only is he a reliable 2-gapper, but with his first step and when playing on the shoulder of a center or guard, he can shoot gaps and get into the backfield.
347 snaps, 16 pressures, at least 7 hurries, a sack and some QB hits as a part-timer.
MUCH better athlete than Greg Gaines and he’s bigger. Don’t just compare him to Bucs players, go into Bowles history with guys like:
Frostee Rucker
Tommy Kelly
Calais Campbell
Leonard Williams
Muhammad Wilkerson
& Sheldon Richardson.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think Capehart can come in and be these, but they’re good references on how Bowles will probably use them.
Big fan of this pick, the fact we got him in the 5th just reinforces that teams set value in terms of whom they draft and when, doesn’t make the talent any less viable.
Capehart ran a 40 two-tenths of a second slower than Malachi Fields being dang near 100lbs heavier.
This defensive line is going to have some awesome personnel combos
April 28th, 2026 at 7:07 am
6 years? Agility and power works for me though. 313 and moves Yup…Get him coached up Marcus.
Go Bucs!
April 28th, 2026 at 7:36 am
Lakeland … Would love to see Capehart evolve into another Grady Jarrett. After last season, Bucs desperately needed to get bigger & nastier. And we have.
There’s an interesting analysis that evolves if you compare what our DLinemen did in 2020 (when our defense ranked #8) versus what our DLinemen did in 2025 (when our defense ranked #20).
o In 2020 our defense was on the field for a total of 1063 def snaps (1023 plays that ‘counted’ plus another 40 plays that didn’t ‘count’ because of accepted penalties, etc). Bucs had 9 different DLinemen log a total of 2532 def snaps that year, meaning that we had an average of 2.38 DLinemen on the field for any given defensive play. We also had 4 OLBs log 2109 def snaps (an average of 1.98 OLBs per def snap).
o In 2025 our defense was on the field for a total of 1044 def snaps (1001 plays that ‘counted’ plus another 43 plays that didn’t ‘count’). Bucs had 8 different DLinemen log a total of 2503 def snaps last year, meaning that we had an average of 2.40 DLinemen on the field for any given defensive play. We also had 7 OLBs log 2092 def snaps (an average of 2.00 OLBs per def snap).
The average number of Bucs’ DLineman on the field for any given defensive play was essentially the same in both years (2.38 vs 2.40). Same with the number of OLBs (1.98 vs 2.00). One major difference in those 2 years however is that the Bucs blitzed 542 times in 16 games in 2020 (34 blitzes per game average), but only 276 times in 17 games in 2025 (16 blitzes per game average) … only HALF as much.
I’m convinced that wasn’t what Todd Bowles wanted, but it was what he had to live with (especially once Kancey went down early in the season). I have no doubts that we’ll see a MUCH DIFFERENT DEFENSE this year.
April 28th, 2026 at 8:29 am
Clemson didnt ask him to be a pass rushing DT…he played within the scheme…speak volumes to his character and attitude
this was a very good pick….imo, the injuries caused him to slip not his lack of pass rushing ability…
if he can add maybe 10pound and play that fast at 323, OLs will have a problem!!
GO BUCS!!!!
April 28th, 2026 at 9:50 am
This is a great draft class!!!! People crying about the LB not named Bain may eat their words. Bain is listed as a LB but I thought he played on the D line
April 28th, 2026 at 9:51 am
Sounds like he is injury prone. The NFL isn’t going to be any easier on his health. Fingers crossed.
April 28th, 2026 at 10:54 am
33″ Arms = HOF
30″ Arms = 100% Bust
April 28th, 2026 at 11:00 am
You just hope he can stay healthy and come in and compete. If he makes the team and plays any snaps in a rotation that’s a win
April 28th, 2026 at 11:14 am
Too bad he needs what he won’t get on the Bucs in 2026.
April 28th, 2026 at 12:40 pm
“The average number of Bucs’ DLineman on the field for any given defensive play was essentially the same in both years (2.38 vs 2.40). Same with the number of OLBs (1.98 vs 2.00). One major difference in those 2 years however is that the Bucs blitzed 542 times in 16 games in 2020 (34 blitzes per game average), but only 276 times in 17 games in 2025 (16 blitzes per game average) … only HALF as much.”
OLBs in our system are defensive lineman, same way that “defensive ends” are really the DTs in role & responsibility. Exactly how Vita is listed as an “NT” but lines up over guards in 4-man fronts in comparison to playing the NT role in our 5-man/Bear package and lining up over the center.
That’s why it’s erroneous to look at our defensive line by measure of wether it’s a 3-4/4-3, the hybridization is that we can flip the switch between the two given the structure of our alignment and the personnel fulfilling the assignment.
We did it multiple times last season, where it was Yaya & Nelly/Braswell at OLB/DE, but having Reddick play off ball. Pre-snap it LOOKS like a 4-3, but it functioned in a manner to where we had 3 OLBs & 2 DTs in the box with 2 off ball LBs. So now, QB has to not only identify the Mike, but the OL has to figure where to slid protection to, because the 4-guys with their hands in the dirt are coming, but you’ve got to key on the 3 off ball LBs to figure who may/may not be coming.
Where it gets funky is, the position where Reddick would play off ball, could drop into zone, could have run lane responilities or Blitz. Now if he lines up on the weak/strong side, it opens up the possibility to have the OLB same/opposite side to sink into a flat or zone bubble or it could work as an overload blitz where the OLB in Reddicks place stays in phase and we send a corner/safety instead. That’s the “versatility” or “complexity” of our defense in terms of alignment relative to how those within are applied on a given call.
Sounds like a lot, but these are professionals
April 28th, 2026 at 12:45 pm
Lakeland Says:
April 28th, 2026 at 6:21 am
Demonte Capeheart was a lethal pass rusher at IMG
That’s why he was chosen for the Under Armor All American pro
He was a high school All American DT, because of his pass rushing
They don’t rush DT at Clemson that much
That’s why Grady Jarrett was a 5th round draft pick
But once Grady got to the Falcons, he was a top pass rushing DT
Capeheart clearly has pass rushing abilities
———
Thanks for the context!
April 28th, 2026 at 12:49 pm
You know who the true freaks are… these OLine that Licht has stockpiled. The OG is big, strong, and explosive. The UDFAs are even freakier. That OT from UCF, Rubelt. Measured in officially at 6’10 1/2″ and 313 and then ran 4.99, jumped 32″, and pressed 26 reps of 225 with 36″ arms. You want to talk about a developmental prospect? I don’t know if a 6’11 guy can do anything in the NFL… But this guy is a decent athlete. Didn’t allow a sack in 2024, was one of top offenses the last few years… yet I’ve dug up very little on him. The UDFA guard, Lutovosky, from Nebraska is also fairly beastly, 6’6 319 ran a normallish 5.16 but jumped 32.5″ and pressed 34 reps. Dude has started 27 games at both guard spots.
April 28th, 2026 at 2:49 pm
D line rotation got bigger, and better. So did our ILBs, and our edge rushers. We drafted a 24 year old dog to play nickel who’s built for the position in Todd’s defense. Scott allows Parrish to go outside. Smith will be in his second season as safety. The defense got better on paper. That’s why they play the games. Looking forward to see how it comes together this year.
April 28th, 2026 at 8:02 pm
The next Grady Jarrett!
Not even joking.
This kid told Licht that he was the best DT in the draft when we stayed him, and I believe that he is going to be out to prove that to everyone.
And I believe he can do it.
April 28th, 2026 at 9:19 pm
I want Capehart to blow up and become great. I loved this pick, in fact, the only plc I didn’t agree with was Trotter. I’ll still support him though, I really hope he’s fast enough for the NFL. Only time will tell.
April 28th, 2026 at 9:29 pm
Well, coach Bowles has one hell of a new unit to work with. Let’s see how he’s able to capitalize on all of his new assets.
I’m thinking he’s going to bring it to bear!
April 29th, 2026 at 8:03 am
With the exception of the #1 pick Bains the Bucs took several players who are older & need alot of developing to be productive in the NFL, but if they have good work ethics & a good team attitude maybe it will workout. But ya’ll know my wishes HIRE A DEFENSIVE CORDINATOR, to work exclusive with the new guys our HC needs to put full attention to the whole team imho!! BUT i do like the move to more nasty physical type players cause the Bucs were soft as Charming last couple of seasons & that falls on the coaches
April 29th, 2026 at 8:04 am
With the exception of the #1 pick Bains the Bucs took several players who are older & need alot of developing to be productive in the NFL, but if they have good work ethics & a good team attitude maybe it will workout. But ya’ll know my wishes HIRE A DEFENSIVE CORDINATOR, to work exclusive with the new guys our HC needs to put full attention to the whole team imho!! BUT i do like the move to more nasty physical type players cause the Bucs were soft as Charming last couple of seasons & that falls on the coaches