Dani Dennis-Sutton

NFL Draft Profile: Dani Dennis-Sutton

Position: Defensive End | School: Penn State | Class: Senior

Height: 6'5" | Weight: 270 lbs | Archetype: Balance

College Career Summary

Dani Dennis-Sutton arrived at Penn State as a five-star recruit and a "lab-built" defensive end prospect. From his true freshman season, he displayed the raw power and length that NFL scouts covet. Over his four-year career in Happy Valley, Dennis-Sutton became the physical tone-setter for the Nittany Lions' defense. While he was often overshadowed by high-profile teammates like Abdul Carter, Dennis-Sutton’s value was found in his unselfish play and special teams contributions—notably tying a school record with 3 blocked punts in a single season. He finished his career as a consistent, heavy-handed edge setter with a knack for making big plays in high-leverage moments, culminating in a dominant performance in the 2025 postseason.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 55

• Total Tackles: 127

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 34.5 (12.0 in 2025)

• Sacks: 23.5 (8.5 in 2025)

• Forced Fumbles: 7

• Blocked Punts: 3 (All in 2025)

• 2025 Honors: All-Big Ten Selection; Reese’s Senior Bowl Invitee

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
vs. Nevada	5 Tkl, 1.0 Sk, 2 FF	A+	Season Opener. Forced two fumbles; physically dominant.
vs. FIU	4 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	B+	Routine win; handled double teams with ease.
vs. Villanova	0 Tkl, 1 PBU	B-	Quiet stat sheet, but blocked a punt (special teams impact).
vs. Oregon	7 Tkl	B	High Stamina game; led DL in tackles despite no TFLs.
@ UCLA	3 Tkl, 1.0 TFL	B	Impacted by UCLA's tempo; blocked his second punt.
vs. Northwestern	4 Tkl	B+	Immovable against the run; recorded third blocked punt.
@ Iowa	1 Tkl	C	Struggled with Iowa's low-block scheme; limited penetration.
@ Ohio State	1 Tkl, 1 FF	B-	Mental Toughness. Fought through a blowout; forced a fumble.
vs. Indiana	4 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	B	Solid A-gap pressure on passing downs.
@ Michigan State	2 Tkl, 2.0 Sacks	A	Pass Rush clinic. Used speed-to-power to erase the QB.
vs. Nebraska	3 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	B+	Disciplined edge setting; notched another sack.
@ Rutgers	4 Tkl, 0.5 Sk	B	Gritty performance in a narrow road victory.
@ Clemson (Bowl)	4 Tkl, 2.0 Sacks	A+	Draft Stock Boost. Relentless motor against elite OTs.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Imposing Physicality: Standing 6'5", 270 lbs with elite arm length, he looks like the prototype for a 4-3 DE or a 3-4 5-technique.

• Special Teams Ace: Rare "Star" impact on special teams for an edge rusher; 3 blocked punts in 2025 shows high IQ and effort.

• Heavy Hands: When he lands his initial punch, he can completely "dead" an offensive tackle's rush, showing massive Strength.

• Stack and Shed: One of the best in the class at holding his ground against the run and disengaging to make a tackle.

Weaknesses

• Lower Body Stiffness: Lacks the "bend" or ankle flexion to turn tight corners. He is more of a "Power" rusher than a "Speed" rusher.

• Consistency of Motor: Film shows occasional plays where he "cruises" if the play is away from him; needs to improve constant Pursuit.

• Pass Rush Plan: Can become a "one-move" rusher (bull-rush) and needs to refine his counters (spin/rip) when his initial power is neutralized.

Scheme Fit: Ideal Base 4-3 Defensive End or a 3-4 5-Technique.

NFL Comparison: Emmanuel Ogbah / Tanoh Kpassagnon

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 17/20 | Physical Tools: 19/20 | Attributes: 17/20 | Athleticism: 16/20 | IQ: 18/20

Final Grade: 87/100

Dani Dennis-Sutton is a "high-floor" prospect. He may not have the twitchy explosion of a 15-sack specialist, but he is a physical nightmare for tight ends and a disciplined run defender who creates opportunities for others. His freakish ability to block kicks adds unique value to his draft profile. While some scouts worry about his stiffness, his sheer power and frame make him a Day 2 lock with Day 1 upside if a team falls in love with his measurables.

Draft Projection: 2nd Round (Early)