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

Don't underestimate rookie DeMonte Capehart's importance to the Bucs' defense.

Visit esporist.com for more information.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have an incredibly deep group of defensive tackles heading into the 2026 season. Vita Vea is a monster, and remains the heart and soul of Todd Bowles' defense. Calijah Kancey is looking to stay healthy this year and prove that he is still a big part of the team's future. Newcomer A'Shawn Robinson brings a nastiness to the middle of the Bucs' defensive line.

With those three, it may be easy to overlook a rookie fifth-round draft pick.

However, Capehart figures to be an important piece of Tampa's defense, even if he only earns a rotational role as a rookie. The former Clemson Tiger is an athletic marvel at the DT position. At The Combine, he measured at 6'5 and 313 pounds, then wowed everyone by running a 4.85-second forty-yard dash—his Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.97 ranked 8th out of 2,046 DTs since 1987.

Unfortunately for the Bucs, Capehart has missed most of the team's offseason program while recovering from wrist surgery. He couldn't participate in Tampa's rookie minicamp and was still dealing with the injury when the Bucs started their OTA practices.

Now Capehart is back at practice, and it is a big deal for the Bucs' defense.

Small Role Could Pay Large Dividends

Even though Capehart will be low on the depth chart this season, even a small role for the rookie could pay large dividends for the team. The trio of Vea, Kancey, and Robinson must have their snaps properly managed to maintain their effectiveness over the season.

Both Vea and Robinson are 31 years old. While Vea is still playing at a high level, he played a career high number of snaps last season with 764. That wear and tear may catch up to him this season. It would benefit Tampa to decrease his workload so he doesn't burn out before the year is over. 

Robinson played 658 snaps in 2025. Can he maintain that number now that he is a year older? Or would Tampa be better served by letting the 23-year-old Capehart handle some of those snaps?

Kancey is only 25, but has struggled with injuries over his first three seasons, missing a total of 20 games. Hopefully, he can remain healthy for a full season in 2026. Relying on Capehart to help keep Kancey fresh could go a long way to ensuring the 2023 first-round pick stays available all season.

Capehart's ability to spell all three veteran DTs can help all of them stay productive for the entire year. Now that he is able to practice again, the rookie can start to showcase what he can do and, hopefully, make up for lost time.

Future of Bucs' Defensive Tackle Group

How quickly Capehart develops will have a huge effect on the future of the Bucs' defensive tackle group. Vea and Robinson are both only signed through 2026. Kancey has already had his fifth-year option picked up for 2027, but Tampa will have a decision to make about whether to commit to him long-term with a big-money extension.

If Capehart develops quickly as a rookie, the Bucs may just let Robinson walk after the season, no matter how he performs. If Vea starts showing signs of a decline, Tampa may be reluctant to give him another big contract for multiple years. Kancey, too, could find himself no longer a part of the Bucs' future if he cannot stay healthy.

On the flip side, if Capehart struggles to develop, Tampa may be forced to shell out big money for aging players nearing the end of their careers.

Final Thoughts

Being able to count on Capehart to contribute in 2026 can really help the Bucs' defense, especially the other defensive tackles. If the rookie can have his elite traits start translating into production, which was an issue at Clemson, he could be a huge part of Tampa's future.

Now that he is able to practice again, Capehart can start proving why his return is a big deal.

Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!

Read full story at source