DeMonte Capehart, IDL, Clemson
Size:
Height: 6’4” | Weight: 320 lbs
Accomplishments:
All-ACC Academic Team (2023, 2022)
“DeMonte Capehart is a physically disruptive IDL who moves blockers with brute force and strength relatively easily to clear his path into the backfield.”
Strengths:
Two-gapping run stopper
Good athlete for his size
Heavy-handed striker
Overwhelming power and force
Alignment-versatile
Concerns:
Limited action in 2023
Injury
Limited pass rush plan
Snap count
Film Analysis:
DeMonte Capehart has been an important rotational piece in a Clemson defensive unit loaded with NFL-caliber talent. While injuries limited his number of games, Capehart started and finished the season strong, showcasing why he is considered one of the most physically dominant interior defensive linemen in the 2025 NFL Draft class. Capehart possesses a big, strong frame that makes him difficult to move off the ball. He brings a combination of physicality and power that enables him to displace blockers and disrupt plays.
Capehart is a heavy-handed defender who uses a powerful punch to knock offensive linemen backward, often driving them into the backfield. His explosiveness and strength overwhelm blockers, allowing him to create significant disruption at the line of scrimmage. Capehart frequently sheds blocks with ease and has several highlight-worthy reps where he tosses offensive linemen aside. His freakish power at the point of attack makes him an effective two-gapping run-stopper, capable of handling double teams with brute strength and force.
As a pass rusher, Capehart displays good athleticism and pad level through the drive phase, enabling him to generate vertical push. He is a powerful pocket-collapser who applies consistent pressure directly in the quarterback’s face. Capehart is also alignment-versatile, able to play across multiple techniques, including 0, 1, 4i, and 5. His ability to play with leverage allows him to get under blockers’ pads and uproot them with ease.
However, much of Capehart’s draft profile is based on projection, given that his playing time has largely been limited to rotational reps. Improving his pass-rush plan, including incorporating more hand counters and maneuvers, will be essential for increasing his efficiency in pass defense.
Capehart projects as a talented and impactful defensive lineman with the potential to be a high-level starter in the NFL. His combination of physical tools and raw ability gives him game-wrecking upside, making him an exciting prospect for the next level.
Prospect Projection: Day 2 — Winning Starter
Exposures: Georgia (2024), Louisville (2024), SMU (2024), Texas (2024), FAU (2023), Syracuse (2023), Georgia Tech (2023)
