Dani Dennis-Sutton is flying under the radar and the Chiefs should pounce

There's some danger in trying to chase what recent Super Bowl champions have done to construct your roster. While that is a proven winning formula, it doesn't mean it's the only winning one. However, every team that's won a Super Bowl since 2019 has either employed Patrick Mahomes or had waves of great pass rushers (Buccaneers, Eagles, Rams, and Seahawks). The common thought is the Chiefs need to find a player to pair with Karlaftis on the other side. When in reality, they need more than that.

This is a great class to have a need at edge rush because this class has plenty of depth at the position. Overall, edge, tight end and safety might be the best three positions in the class. The Chiefs should consider spending two picks on edge within the first two days of the draft. Not just because the pass rush needs help, but to help the players they already have on the roster.

George Karlaftis consistently played 75% or more of snaps since his sophomore season with the Chiefs. If they have other players they feel comfortable giving reps to, they can get a better, fresher version of Karlaftis too. That's not even factoring in Chris Jones, who plays way too many snaps for a player of his age, too. If Kansas City can bring in bodies, their pass rush could improve simply from freshness alone.

To keep close tabs on the 2026 NFL Draft and the top prospects for the Kansas City Chiefs, make sure to bookmark our Arrowhead Addict Big Board. Our custom big board is tailored toward the Chiefs’ needs and thresholds.

NFL Draft Profile: Dani Dennis-Sutton, Edge, Penn State

1. Dani Dennis-Sutton's background
2. Dani Dennis-Sutton's strengths
3. Dani Dennis-Sutton's weaknesses
4. Why has he flown under the Radar?

Dani Dennis-Sutton's background

Age: 22 (on draft day)

Height: 6-6

Weight: 256 LBS.

Hands: 10 1/8 inches

Arms: 33 1/2 inches

Tape Exposure: Ohio State (2025), Indiana (2025), Michigan State (2025)

Dennis-Sutton attended McDonogh School in Owings Mills, Maryland. He was a three-sport athlete in football, basketball and track. Rated as a five-star recruit by 247 Sports, he was the top recruit in the state of Maryland and the No. 28 recruit in the nation. After several high-level offers, he committed to Penn State, where he played all four years of his college career. In 55 games he logged: 127 tackles, 34.5 tackles for loss, 23.5 sacks, and 7 forced fumbles.

Dani Dennis-Sutton's strengths

Frame and Power

Ideal NFL size to live on the edge with no concerns on early downs, rushes with heavy hands and brings plenty of pop on initial punch. Nice long-arm ability to collapse the pocket.

Production Profile

Found the field quickly as a true freshman and produced over his career, even playing with the likes of Chop Robinson and Abdul Carter.

Versatility

Can win in several different ways: speed around the edge, power through the chest of the tackle. Can kick inside and rush as a mismatch on the inside as well. Flashes a spin and rip move that have been effective. Still solid as a run defender to set the edge as well.

Dani Dennis-Sutton's weaknesses

Bend and First Step

Never wows with overall bend in hips or ankles. First step is only average. Despite testing really well, not an overly twitchy athlete.

Play Height

Can get too tall for a 6-6 player, finds himself outleveraged at times by tackles and guards.

Finishing at the Tackle Point

Can miss tackles and sacks in the backfield by overshooting the ball carrier. Needs to slow down and square up his hips to complete tackles.

Why has he flown under the Radar?

Between the traits, recruiting profile, production, and testing, it's honestly hard to understand why Dani Dennis-Sutton isn't getting much buzz. It's likely due to the sheer amount of edge prospects in that Day 2 range dragging down his value. In a bad edge class, it wouldn't be surprising to see him as a fringe first-round prospect. It might make sense for Kansas City to go elsewhere at pick nine and take advantage of the edge depth later in the draft.

Dani Dennis-Sutton is a big, long-armed defensive end who looks the part and wins with heavy hands, upper-body strength, and the ability to set a firm edge while holding up versus tight ends, pullers, and zone action. As a rusher, he's primarily a power/long-arm type with a solid motor and some hand usage (swipe, rip, spin) to work around or through blocks and occasionally collapse the pocket. The limitations are subpar twitch/explosiveness and below-average bend/range — he can be heavy-footed and profiles as a rotational rusher with starter upside.

Round Grade; Red Chip (2nd Round Grade)

Shades of: Dayo Odeyingbo