Dani Dennis-Sutton DE/EDGE Penn State | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Dani Dennis-Sutton DE/EDGE Penn State
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
SUB-POSITION: EDGE RUSHER | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Last Updated: 09/21/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
40 time: 4.68 seconds (83%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Age: 20.11 DOB: 12/23/2003 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
SHARE THIS PROFILE:
|
SUB-POSITION: EDGE RUSHER | |
Last Updated: 09/21/2024 | |
Draft Year: 2025 | |
40 time: 4.68 seconds (83%*) | |
Age: 20.11 DOB: 12/23/2003 | |
SHARE THIS PROFILE:
|
Overall Rating: | 83.0 / 100 | |
---|---|---|
Average rating of opposition Offense player has faced | ||
Offense Rating: |
|
80% |
Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
Tackling: |
|
68% |
Pass Rush: |
|
80% |
Run Defense: |
|
69% |
DRAFT PROJECTION:
5th
Overall Rank:
#140
Position rank:
#33
|
||
College Games: 38 College Snaps: 1083 | ||
|
||
|
||
|
Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
---|---|---|
Braiden McGregor - Michigan |
|
91% |
Micheal Clemons - Texas A&M |
|
87% |
Brennan Jackson - Washington State |
|
87% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Dani Dennis-Sutton, a 6'5", 265-pound edge rusher from Penn State, emerged as a dominant force on the defensive line. A four-star recruit out of McDonogh School in Maryland, Dennis-Sutton quickly translated his high school success to the college level. In his sophomore year at McDonogh, he racked up 40 tackles, six sacks, and two forced fumbles, showcasing the disruptive potential that would define his collegiate career.
At Penn State, Dennis-Sutton wasted no time making his mark. His freshman campaign in 2022 earned him ESPN.com True Freshman All-American honors. He appeared in all 13 games, posting 17 tackles (11 solo), three sacks, 3.5 tackles for loss, three quarterback hurries, one interception, and a pass breakup. Dennis-Sutton's sophomore season in 2023 saw increased production and recognition. He tallied 26 tackles (17 solo), 3.5 sacks, six tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, two quarterback hurries, and a pass breakup. These performances propelled him to third-team All-Big Ten honors from coaches and an honorable mention from the media.
Dennis-Sutton's versatility became a hallmark of his game at Penn State. He lined up primarily outside the tackle but showed the ability to play multiple techniques along the defensive front. His standout games included a career-best six tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble against Indiana in 2023. Dennis-Sutton also demonstrated his playmaking ability with an interception returned for 20 yards against Indiana in his freshman year.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Explosive first step off the line, creating instant leverage against blockers
- Advanced run defender with quick leverage acquisition and ability to make plays near the line of scrimmage
- Impressive lateral agility and pursuit speed, allowing him to chase down plays and contain the edge
- Versatile alignment options, can play from 3-point, 4-point, or stand-up positions
- Powerful bull rush and developing inside spin move keep offensive tackles off-balance
- High motor player who consistently hunts for the football and doesn't give up on plays
- Long frame with good lean mass, providing potential for further physical development
- Shows flashes of effective hand usage to defeat blocks and maintain leverage
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Inconsistent get-off timing and explosiveness can limit initial advantage
- Still developing pass rush plan and move variety beyond power-based attacks
- Can struggle to disengage from blocks consistently, especially against more experienced tackles
- Sometimes plays with high pad level, reducing leverage and power potential
- Average overall athleticism may limit ceiling as a pure speed rusher at the next level
Scouting Report: Summary
Dennis-Sutton projects as a high-upside edge defender with the tools to make an immediate impact in run defense. His first-step explosiveness and leverage skills should translate well to setting the edge at the pro level. In nickel packages, he'll likely start as a situational pass rusher while he refines his technique and expands his pass-rush arsenal beyond power moves.
In his rookie season, expect Dennis-Sutton to contribute primarily on early downs and special teams. His motor and pursuit ability will earn him snaps, but he may struggle initially against seasoned NFL tackles. As he develops, he could evolve into a three-down player by year two or three. His ceiling will largely depend on how well he can improve his hand usage and develop counter moves to complement his bull rush.
Long-term, Dennis-Sutton has the potential to become a solid NFL starter. His versatility to play in multiple fronts adds to his value. If he can harness his physical tools and improve his consistency, he could develop into a 6-8 sack per year player who's stout against the run. While he may not become an elite pass rusher, his skill set projects him as a reliable strong-side end who can impact both phases of the game.
Written By:
K.C. Martinez (Big Ten)
How other scouting services rate Dani Dennis-Sutton (Overall Rank)
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.