The Clemson Tigers had a strong season in 2024 and are now looking forward to taking another big step forward.

After years of being a national title contender, the Tigers have taken a small step backwards in that area in recent years. While the program was still solid, it wasn’t quite elite.

Since the landscape of college football has changed so much in terms of NIL and the transfer portal, Clemson has been a little slow to keep up. That has changed recently as the Tigers already have two good players in the portal this season.

As the program contemplates 2025, some of its seniors are beginning to prepare for the next level. One of those players is defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart. The senior defensive tackle will move on to the next level and could be a solid contributor.

Recently, Pro Football Network’s Jacob Infante released a full seven-round mock draft. He let Capehart go to the Minnesota Vikings with the 97th overall pick.

“Without a second-round pick, the Vikings will have to get creative with their other selections to complete their roster. DeMonte Capehart has tremendous arm length and big hands, and he is a powerful run defender who can close gaps with blitzes and pass speed.”

The Vikings had an outstanding season in 2024 that shocked the league. The emergence of Sam Darnold as a franchise quarterback has propelled Minnesota into the conference’s elite.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Vikings are really strong, led by Darnold and Justin Jefferson. However, they have some issues on the defensive side of the ball.

With no draft picks available, they will be looking for players who can step in and contribute right away. Capehart is that type of player in the middle line. While he may not be a standout playmaker at the position, he weighs well over 300 pounds and can help fill the run.

It would be a good idea for Minnesota to use such a player in the middle rounds. While Capehart will likely never be an All-Pro player, he has the size and skill to help immediately at the next level. With the Vikings suddenly in a win-now mode, this offers great value.