Why Rookie Capehart's Return To Practice Is A Big Deal For Bucs' Defense

The return of rookie DeMonte Capehart to Buccaneers practice underscores his potential to strengthen Tampa Bay's defensive line ahead of 2026. Capehart, a fifth-round pick from Clemson, stands 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighs 313 pounds, with a 4.85-second 40-yard dash and a 9.97 Relative Athletic Score. He missed most of the offseason recovering from wrist surgery and could not participate in rookie minicamp. Now healthy, he has rejoined OTA practices and could serve in a rotational role behind vets Vita Vea, Calijah Kancey, and A'Shawn Robinson. Vea and Robinson are both 31, while Kancey is 25, making snap management critical for a durable season.

Last season, Vea logged a career-high 764 snaps and Robinson played 658, underscoring the need for capable depth. Capehart’s ability to spell the trio could help protect the young Kancey from overload, sustaining him through a full year. If he progresses quickly, Tampa could lean on his development to influence long-term decisions about Robinson and Kancey. The rookie’s return marks a meaningful milestone after time lost, as the Bucs aim to maximize their interior rotation. Its impact will help define whether Tampa’s DT group remains agile enough to sustain performance through 2026 and beyond.