Dani Dennis-Sutton has always been the physical yin to Abdul Carter’s athletic yang.
While Carter was the speed rusher ghosting around the edge, Dennis-Sutton was the power player collapsing the pocket. Now, following a dominant senior season, he joins his teammate in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Career Retrospective: The 5-Star Anchor
Arriving as a 5-star recruit from Maryland, the expectations were massive. Dennis-Sutton met them with consistent, workmanlike production.
Career Stats:
- Sacks: 21.0
- Tackles for Loss: 33.5
- Forced Fumbles: 5
2025 Season: The Senior Surge
In his final season, Dennis-Sutton took his game to another level. With Carter often drawing double teams, Dennis-Sutton feasted in 1-on-1 matchups.
| Stat Category | 2025 Stats | Rank (Big Ten DEs) |
|---|---|---|
| Sacks | 8.5 | Top 10 |
| Pass Rush Win Rate | 18.5% | Elite |
| Run Stop % | 9.2% | Top 5 |
| Pressures | 45 | Top 10 |
Analyst Note: His run defense grade (90.1 via PFF) was actually higher than his pass rush grade. He essentially shut down one side of the field in the run game.
NFL Scouting Report: “High Floor”
Scouts view Dennis-Sutton as one of the “safest” picks in the draft. He may not have Von Miller’s bend, but he has Cameron Jordan’s power.
Strengths:
- Bull Rush: He has arguably the best bull rush in the class. He walks offensive tackles back into the quarterback’s lap.
- Length: At 6’5” with 34-inch arms, he sets a hard edge and bats down passes.
- Scheme Fit: He can play 4-3 DE or kick inside to 3-tech on passing downs.
Weaknesses:
- Bend: He is stiff in the hips. He won’t dip under a tackle’s hands often.
- Closing Speed: Lacks elite twitch to finish plays if the QB breaks the pocket.
Draft Projection: Top 50
- Projection: Early 2nd Round.
- Best Fits: Detroit Lions (Dan Campbell loves physical players), Pittsburgh Steelers (local connection).
Final Verdict
Dani Dennis-Sutton leaves Penn State as a model of consistency. He never had the flashy 15-sack season, but he never had a bad game. He leaves a massive void at defensive end—not just in production, but in toughness. In the NFL, he projects as a 10-year starter who will be a cornerstone of a physical defense.