DC #90

DeMonte Capehart

Defensive Tackle · Clemson

A six-year Clemson defensive tackle whose size and power drew comparisons to longtime Buccaneers stalwart Will Gholston.

DeMonte Capehart spent six seasons in Clemson's defensive line rotation before Tampa Bay took him in the fifth round of the 2026 draft, betting that a more focused role can unlock more production than his college numbers suggest. At 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, he gives the Buccaneers a run-stuffing presence up front.

★ Consensus four-star recruit, 2020 class

★ 72 career tackles and 13.5 tackles for loss at Clemson

★ Six-year contributor across 57 games for the Tigers

Path to the league

Capehart was a consensus four-star recruit ranked inside the top 35 nationally when he signed with Clemson in the 2020 class. He played six seasons for the Tigers before the Buccaneers selected him in the fifth round, 155th overall, in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Career highlights

Across his time at Clemson, Capehart totaled 72 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, a forced fumble and five pass breakups over 57 games. Tampa Bay's Vice President of Player Personnel Mike Biehl compared him to longtime Buccaneers defensive lineman Will Gholston, calling him a big, long player who can set the edge against the run.

2025 season recap

Capehart closed out his Clemson career in 2025 before entering the draft, with the Buccaneers' front office citing scheme limitations at Clemson as a reason his college production did not fully reflect his athletic tools. Tampa Bay drafted him believing a different role could unlock more pass-rush upside to go with his run-stopping ability.