Dani Dennis-Sutton Is Out to Prove He Can Do It All - and He’s Backing It Up at the Senior Bowl
MOBILE, Ala. - The last time we saw Dani Dennis-Sutton in game action, he was making life miserable for Clemson’s offense in the Pinstripe Bowl - two sacks, constant pressure, and the kind of disruptive presence that’s become his calling card. Sure, it was technically a baseball field, but Dennis-Sutton turned Yankee Stadium into his own personal showcase.
Now, he’s in Mobile, Alabama, doing what he’s done all season - showing he belongs among the best. The former Penn State defensive end is one of the headline names at this year’s Senior Bowl, and he’s not shy about what he’s here to prove.
“I’m a four-down player,” Dennis-Sutton said. “I’m not just a run stopper.
I’m not just a pass rusher. I’m also an all-star on special teams.
I can do it all.”
That confidence isn’t new. It’s been part of his DNA since he arrived in Happy Valley as a five-star recruit in 2022. Over four years, Dennis-Sutton didn’t just live up to the hype - he built a résumé that demands attention from NFL scouts.
Let’s talk numbers. In 55 career games, he racked up 23.5 sacks, 34.5 tackles for loss, seven forced fumbles, eight pass breakups, and two interceptions.
In his final two seasons alone, he started 27 games and notched 25 TFLs. He passed Abdul Carter for sixth on Penn State’s all-time sack list during that Pinstripe Bowl win - a fitting exclamation point to his college career.
And then there’s special teams. In 2025, Dennis-Sutton blocked three punts - the most of any FBS player that season and tied for the most ever in a single year by a Nittany Lion. That kind of versatility and effort jumps off the tape.
“The two things I base my game off of are effort and physicality,” he said. “Those are two things that will never be in question.
Some guys like to just rush the passer. But I do it all.
Some people think they’re above special teams. That’s not me.
I’m here to play football. Whatever coaches need me to do, I’m going to do it.”
And he’s doing it in Mobile. Dennis-Sutton has made the most of his Senior Bowl week, standing out during practices - especially in one-on-one drills against some of the top offensive line prospects in this draft class. In team sessions, he’s shown the same edge-setting strength and backfield burst that made him a problem in the Big Ten.
There was a brief scare on Thursday when he went down with what looked like a chest or rib injury. But he bounced back, returned to practice, and later confirmed he was good to go.
That toughness? Just another box checked.
As it stands, Dennis-Sutton is ranked No. 72 overall and the No. 9 edge rusher in ESPN’s draft rankings. This year’s edge class is deep - potentially six could go in the first round - so cracking the top 32 won’t be easy. But with performances like this week’s, he’s giving teams a reason to take a closer look.
Saturday’s Senior Bowl game is another chance to shine before Dennis-Sutton heads into the next phase of the pre-draft gauntlet - the NFL Combine in February, Penn State’s pro day in March, and a string of team visits leading up to April’s draft.
Where he lands remains to be seen. But one thing’s clear: whoever drafts No. 33 is getting a player who knows how to work - and how to produce.
“At Penn State, we work for everything we get,” Dennis-Sutton said. “We have a long tradition of d-linemen.
And to get on the field and make plays, you’ve got to work for it. They’re not just going to give it to you like some other schools.
That’s what I learned at Penn State. You’ve got to work for your opportunity.
And when you get it, take advantage of it. That’s what I think I did.”
He did more than take advantage. He left no doubt. And now, with NFL eyes watching, Dani Dennis-Sutton is doing it all over again.