FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Penn State EDGE rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton.
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2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Dani Dennis-Sutton
Dani Dennis-Sutton (EDGE – Penn State)
6-foot-5 | 265 Pounds
Background
Dani Dennis-Sutton was a five-star recruit who immediately worked into the Nittany Lions’ rotation as a freshman (225 snaps, 17-3.5-3.0) before starting three of his appearances as a sophomore (445 snaps, 26-6.0-3.5). He took over a starting role in 2024 and posted nearly identical lines of 42-13.0-8.5 and 42-12.0-8.5 to conclude his collegiate career.
Positives
Dennis-Sutton was a two-year starter and four-year contributor for a major program. He really looks the part, with the ideal size and length for an even-front base end. Overall flexibility is impressive, playing with good knee-bend. Shows good patience and discipline as a run defender, setting a consistent edge and keeping his shoulders square. Effective two-gap, read-and-react type defender who does a nice job of using his length to lock out blockers and locate the football.
Holds the point of attack relatively easily, showing solid lower-body strength. He even did a pretty good job against some double-teams during the games reviewed. Maintains discipline on the backside. Long-strider who can eat up grass off the edge before effectively converting speed to power; shows good leg drive and pretty good power on his bull rush. Footwork and balance are impressive when working around the edge; can bend a tight arc, often accompanied by a rip move.
There’s some suddenness to Dennis-Sutton’s game out of his stance, which can allow him to threaten gaps with his inside move. Looks smooth and coordinated running stunts/games. His rush approach doesn’t undermine the team’s run fits. Has also forced seven career fumbles. Can impact passing lanes with his length.
Negatives
As a taller end, Dennis-Sutton has some trouble winning the leverage battle. Hand use isn’t the most advanced at this point. He can consistently hold the point of attack, but doesn’t do a great job of shedding blocks quickly. Despite his length, Dennis-Sutton’s tackling hasn’t been the most reliable.
More of a smooth athlete than a truly explosive one. His pass-rush approach can be a bit bland at times. Doesn’t always look like he has a clear plan or diverse repertoire of moves or counters, causing him to end up around the line of scrimmage. Closing burst isn’t the quickest. Took the occasional drop into zone in school, but might not have the ideal profile for that role.
Summary
One of the biggest, longest and most productive EDGE rushers in the class, Dennis-Sutton shows the ability to set the edge and lock out blockers as a two-gap run defender. Can win in different ways as a pass rusher as well.
However, despite spending four years in school, you’d like to see Dennis-Sutton improve his hand usage, as he can get stuck on blocks and doesn’t seem to have the most creative pass-rush approach. Still, there are clear starting-caliber tools here, and he should get Day 2 consideration. Resembles a less sophisticated Yetur Gross-Matos.
Projection: Round 3
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