Grading the selection of DL DeMonte Capehart by the Bucs

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers went back to the trenches in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting Clemson defensive lineman DeMonte Capehart, a move that feels like a classic Day 3 swing on traits and earns a B grade.

Capehart brings the kind of size and physical profile Todd Bowles covets up front. At around 6-foot-5, 315 pounds, with long arms and surprising movement ability for his frame, he’s built to handle the interior grind. He ran an impressive 4.85 40 yard draft, which shows up on tape with flashes of burst off the line and the ability to close when he gets a step.

In 2025, Capehart posted 28 total tackles, 6 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks, solid production for a rotational interior lineman, especially in a deep Clemson front.

In Bowles’ scheme, versatility and speed are everything. Capehart has the tools to line up as a traditional interior defender on early downs, eat up blocks, and help clog running lanes, but he also shows enough push to collapse the pocket as a pass rusher. When he plays with proper leverage, he can reset the line of scrimmage and create chaos inside, something Tampa Bay needed an upgrade in.

Capehart likely slots in as a rotational piece, helping on early downs and in certain sub-packages. With his size and strength, he can keep linebackers clean and contribute to the run defense, while the coaching staff works to develop his pass-rush consistency. Capehart can be inconsistent with his pad level and technique, and there are stretches where his impact disappears.

He’s still more of a traits-based projection than a finished product, which means development will be key if he’s going to stick. The Buccaneers continue to lean into getting bigger, stronger, and more physical in the trenches by adding a player with the raw tools to develop into something more.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: NFL Draft: Grading the selection of DL DeMonte Capehart by the Bucs