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Bucs Strengthen the Trenches in Fifth Round
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- Bucs Strengthen the Trenches in Fifth Round
Bucs Strengthen the Trenches in Fifth Round
(Michael Clubb/Imagn Images)
After drafting Miami's Keionte Scott with their lone fourth-round selection , the Tampa Bay Buccaneers remained made one offensive and one defensive selection in the fifth round, picking Clemson defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart and Notre Dame offensive guard Billy Scrhauth.
DeMonte Capehart
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Through Tampa 's opening five draft picks, four have been on the defensive side of the ball, as Capehart joins Rueben Bain Jr. , Josiah Trotter and the forementioned Scott on head coach Todd Bowles' defense.
Capehart's first four seasons at Clemson, he appeared as a reserve, having the opportunity to learn from multiple 2024 NFL Draft picks such as Tyler Davis and Ruke Orhorhoro.
In the 2024 season, Capehart got his first opportunity as a full-time starter, bursting onto the scene with an Honorable Mention All-ACC-caliber season.
Capehart recorded 21 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and two pass break-ups. He dealt with some legal trouble towards the end of the season, as he was arrested in February for unlawful possession of a firearm on university property. Capehart was also charged with failure to exercise due care while operating a motor vehicle.
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In the 2025 season, Capehart posted nearly identical numbers, recording 21 tackles, 3 tackles for loss and one sack. Capehart's ability to knock down passes at the line of scrimmage was once again evident, as he batted down another two balls.
The Clemson product will supplement a defensive interior that is anchored by Vita Vea and recently brought-back Rakeem Nunez-Roches , who helped Tampa win a Super Bowl in 2021.
Grade
B-
Billy Schrauth
Just five picks after selecting Capehart, Tampa Bay pivoted to the offensive side of the football, drafting Notre Dame offensive guard Billy Schrauth with the No. 160 overall selection.
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Schrauth was a team captain for the Irish last season, starting at right guard for the first seven games. Unfortunately, Schrauth suffered a season-ending knee injury, cutting his senior campaign short.
Prior to his injury, Schrauth was an extremely reliable interior lineman, playing in at least 12 games in his previous two seasons.
Schrauth was versatile throughout his time in college, making double-digit starts at both left and right guard.
The 6-foot-5, 310-pound powerhouse uses his impressive grip strength at the point of attack to thwart incoming defenders, standing his ground.
With the Bucs recent injury history on the offensive line, Schrauth serves as an extremely valuable depth piece.
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He joins Georgia State wide receiver Ted Hurst , Tampa's third round selection, as the lone offensive draft picks for the Bucs thus far.
Grade
B+
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