DeMonte Capehart

NFL Draft Profile: DeMonte Capehart

Position: Defensive Tackle (1/3-Tech) | School: Clemson | Class: Graduate Senior (6th Year)

Height: 6'5" | Weight: 315 lbs | Archetype: Run Stopper

College Career Summary

DeMonte Capehart is the ultimate "patience pays off" story in the Clemson program. A former elite recruit from IMG Academy, he spent his first four seasons as a rotational backup behind a gauntlet of first-round picks (Bryan Bresee, Myles Murphy, etc.). He finally broke out in 2023, showing flashes of "game-wrecker" potential, and decided to return for a sixth year in 2025 to prove his durability and polish. His career has been marked by extreme physical power and a resilient spirit, having overcome early-career injuries and a dense depth chart to become the emotional and physical anchor of the 2025 Tigers' defensive front.

Highlight Career Stats (through 2025):

• Games Played: 57

• Total Tackles: 72 (21 in 2025)

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 13.5 (3.0 in 2025)

• Sacks: 3.0 (1.0 in 2025)

• Passes Deflected: 4 (2 in 2025)

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
vs. Georgia (LSU)	1 Tackle	B-	Stout early against the run; struggled with tempo late.
vs. Troy	2 Tackles, 1.0 Sack	A-	Flashed elite speed-to-power; lived in the backfield.
@ Georgia Tech	6 Tackles, 1.0 TFL	A	Season High. Dominant performance; single-handedly blew up 3 run plays.
vs. Syracuse	1 Tackle, 1 PD	B	Active hands; batted a pass at the LOS.
@ North Carolina	1 Tackle	B-	Controlled his gap well; forced the back to bounce outside.
@ Boston College	1 Tackle	C+	High pad level allowed BC's interior to get underneath him.
vs. SMU	3 Tackles, 1 PD	B+	High-effort pursuit; displayed a relentless Motor.
vs. Duke	1 Tackle, 0.5 TFL	B	Solid in short-yardage situations; held the point.
vs. Florida State	1 Tackle	B-	Disciplined gap control; took on double teams all night.
@ Louisville	3 Tackles, 0.5 TFL	B+	Gritty performance; fought through a minor ankle tweak.
vs. Furman	1 Tackle	B	Played limited reps in a blowout; efficient when in.
@ South Carolina	0 Tackles	C	Neutralized by quick releases; limited impact on the box score.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Massive Frame & Length: Standing 6'5" with long arms and a 7-foot wingspan, he has the ideal "stack-and-shed" profile for an NFL interior defender.

• Brute Strength: Capehart is a "weight room warrior" (noted for a massive squat) whose strength translates directly to the field. He moves 300 lb guards with relative ease.

• Explosive First Step: For a 315-pounder, his get-off is surprisingly quick, allowing him to penetrate the A-gap and disrupt the timing of run plays.

• Academic/Mental Leadership: A three-time All-ACC Academic Team member; a high-IQ player who understands scheme and blocking concepts.

Weaknesses

• Leverage/Pad Level: Because of his 6'5" height, he naturally sits higher than most centers. He must be more consistent in staying low to avoid being washed out.

• Pass Rush Polish: He is currently a "power-only" rusher. He needs to develop a counter move (swim or rip) for when his initial bull-rush is stalled.

• Snap Count History: Despite six years in college, he only became a full-time starter late in his career. NFL teams will scrutinize his history of being a rotational player.

Scheme Fit: Ideal 3-Technique in a 4-3 front or a 5-Technique in a 3-4 front that asks defensive ends to hold their ground.

NFL Comparison: Raekwon Davis / Carlos Watkins

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 18/20 | Physical Tools: 18/20 | Attributes: 15/20 | Athleticism: 16/20 | IQ: 17/20 Final Grade: 84/100

DeMonte Capehart is a "safe" prospect with the physical traits that coaches love to mold. He is a high-character veteran who will bring a professional mindset to a locker room. While he may never be a 10-sack player, his ability to destroy double teams and anchor against the run provides an immediate "floor" as a high-end rotational tackle. His elite length and "freakish" strength make him a Day 3 priority for teams looking to bolster their defensive interior.

Draft Projection: 4th - 5th Round