Interior defensive line depth is always a conversation in Tampa Bay. General manager Jason Licht has consistently valued size and versatility up front, and Todd Bowles’ defense relies on interior defenders who can eat space on early downs and still provide interior push in sub-packages.
We are working through each position group this cycle. With that in mind, here is our report on Clemson defensive lineman DeMonte Capehart.
Information
Background
Capehart arrived at Clemson as a five-star recruit and top national defensive tackle prospect. He contributed to three ACC championship teams and steadily increased his snap count across six seasons, appearing in 57 career games with 12 starts.
From 2020 through 2025, his defensive workload climbed each year, culminating in 347 snaps in 2025. Over his career, he totaled 88 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, five pass breakups, and a forced fumble.
While primarily an interior defensive lineman, Capehart also saw a handful of snaps on offense as a run blocker in heavy packages, reflecting Clemson’s trust in his physicality and short-yardage value.
Notable Stats
Capehart’s 2022 and 2023 seasons graded out particularly well in run defense, highlighting his value as an interior anchor.
Skills
Capehart wins with mass and leverage. He is not a sudden, twitchy interior penetrator, but he can control gaps and absorb contact. His run defense grades in multiple seasons reflect a player comfortable anchoring against double teams and squeezing interior lanes.
As a pass rusher, he flashes pocket push but is not a consistent one-on-one winner. His pressure totals suggest rotational value rather than primary interior disruption. However, when fresh, he can collapse space and muddy the quarterback’s platform.
The offensive snaps as a run blocker underline his physical profile. He is a trench player through and through.
Player Summary
DeMonte Capehart projects as a late Day 3 selection or priority free agent with clear early-down utility. His experience in a major conference, steady snap increase, and interior size make him a viable developmental depth option.
For the Buccaneers, Capehart would profile as a rotational interior defensive lineman capable of contributing in early-down packages. In Bowles’ front, he could compete for depth snaps as a space-eater who keeps linebackers clean while continuing to refine his interior pass-rush plan.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: DeMonte Capehart, DL, Clemson
Reporting by Mason Riney, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
