As the 2026 NFL Combine kicks into high gear, the Chicago Bears are zeroing in on a specific physical profile to bolster their defensive front. Under the guidance of defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, the Bears are transitioning to a more aggressive, man-heavy scheme.
This approach demands length and heavy-handed power from their edge defenders. With Montez Sweat holding down one side and the rising Austin Booker bringing speed-to-power dynamics, the Bears are eyeing a key addition from the 2026 class.
Enter Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE from Penn State.
Dennis-Sutton fits the Bears' blueprint for a high-ceiling, long-limbed disruptor. Standing at 6-foot-5 and tipping the scales at over 260 pounds, he embodies the physical traits Allen covets in a defensive end.
Dennis-Sutton is a long-strider who excels at setting the edge and locking out blockers. Unlike Booker, who thrives on quickness and agility, Dennis-Sutton is a power-first defender.
His sizable frame allows him to disrupt running lanes effectively, making him an ideal candidate to balance out the rotation. In 2025, he notched a career-high 51 pressures, showcasing his relentless engine and physical prowess.
Projected to be a Day 2 pick (rounds 2-3), Dennis-Sutton offers a physical profile strikingly similar to Montez Sweat. Both possess the elite length that can make passing windows vanish, and pairing them would give Chicago two imposing, powerful three-down defenders on the edges. This setup would allow Booker to shine as a designated pass-rusher in specific situations.
Why is the Combine so crucial?
In Indianapolis, the Bears will be laser-focused on Dennis-Sutton's 10-yard split. A good time for someone his size falls in the 1.60-1.63 range. While his athleticism is smooth and his run defense unquestionable, teams are eager to see if he has the sudden burst needed to win early in the rep at the NFL level.