Former Florida State OL signs with AFC East team as a priority UDFA
Former Florida State OL Jacob Rizy signs with the New England Patriots as a priority UDFA.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected defensive tackle Demonte Capehart from Clemson in the fifth round of the draft. Capehart brings size, athleticism, and leadership, expected to enhance the team's defensive line depth.
A Hartsville, SC native, Capeheart dominated from the get-go in high school thanks to his size and athleticism. His dominance earned him a transfer to the prestigious IMG Academy in Florida, where he led the team with 16 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks during his senior season. Capehart fielded his pick of schools as a four-star recruit and No. 5 defensive tackle of the 2020 class (34th overall). He decided to stay close to home and enrolled with Clemson, and stuck there all 6 years because of his close bond with the defensive line coach Nick Eason — even turning down significant NIL money to transfer. As part of a stacked defensive line throughout his time with the Tigers, Capehart never even started a game until his redshirt senior season in 2024, but he did consistently rotate in during the years prior. He played 57 total games (12 starts), totaling 72 total tackles (13.5 for loss), 3 sacks, 5 passes defensed, and 1 forced fumble. A team leader praised for his leadership and positive influence, Capehart earned 2 degrees and a certification during his time at Clemson — a bachelor’s in sports communication, a master’s in athletic leadership, and a graduate certificate in athletic leadership.
Demonte Capehart played 57 games with 12 starts, recording 72 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and 1 forced fumble.
Capehart is expected to provide depth at the 5-technique and nose tackle positions, supporting players like Calijah Kancey and Vita Vea.
Capehart stands nearly 6-foot-5 and weighs 312 pounds, with a Relative Athletic Score of 9.96, ranking him among the top defensive tackles in the last 40 years.
Capehart earned two degrees in sports communication and athletic leadership, and was praised for his leadership and positive influence on his team.
Former Florida State OL Jacob Rizy signs with the New England Patriots as a priority UDFA.
Nelly Korda leads by five at Chevron Championship, aiming for third major title
Red Sox make major coaching changes after poor start to season
Dolphins' new coach and GM emphasize toughness in NFL draft selections.
The Jets have finalized the trade of John Franklin-Myers to the Broncos, receiving a 2026 sixth-round pick.
San Francisco 49ers 2026 Draft: Grades and Fan Reactions
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Capehart is another elite athlete added into the fold by the Buccaneers — the third straight one in the draft class. He is a massive, well-built human at nearly 6-foot-5, 312 pounds with 34 1/2” arms and 10 1/4” hands. He’s unnaturally skilled as a mover at that size, posting an eye-popping 4.85 40-yard dash (1.71 10-yard split). He posted explosive jumps as well with a 33 1/2” vertical and 8-foot-11 broad. His Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.96 is No. 9 for defensive tackles in the last 40 years.
Capehart has very much been the promise of something more without the consistent actualization of it. He is long and very strong with heavy hands and a good anchor, making him a valuable asset versus the run. He can power through some guards while holding the line versus better ones, which will get him snaps on a defensive line that was light in the pants the last couple years. He’s not stationary, however, as he syncs up his hand and feet movements to sift through traffic and get off his man to make plays. His huge wingspan lets him collect quarterbacks and runners who try to escape his grasp in the backfield. His pass rush is a lot less defined, as he’s pretty much a straight-ahead power pusher who wants to collapse the pocket. He’ll need to develop more primary moves and counters if he ever hopes to see feasible snaps on passing downs.
Ultimately, Capehart is an older prospect (24 years old) with limited production but sky-high athleticism and effort to work with, so he’s far from a lost cause. Simultaneously, expectations of him ever becoming a starter should likely be tempered. He will fill a needed role as space-eating, run stuffer depth, and hopefully the coaching staff can coax a little more out of his unique athletic profile. What do you think, Bucs Nation? Let us know in the comments below.