Why is this Penn State Nittany Lions star falling down NFL Draft boards?
Yes, we know that nothing turned out the way the Penn State Nittany Lions expected in 2025. They entered the season with national championship aspirations, but instead finished 7-6 and saw James Franklin get fired midway through.
Not only that, but quarterback Drew Allar suffered a season-ending ankle injury six games in, and running back Nicholas Singleton saw his production take a nose dive.
So it should not be too surprising that most Penn State players heading into the NFL have seen their respective draft stocks take a significant hit.
But what about edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton?
Dennis-Sutton was widely viewed as a potential first-round pick heading into 2025 after racking up 42 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks an interception and a couple of forced fumbles the season prior.
The 6-foot-5, 265-pound defender has a terrific physical profile, boasts tremendous athleticism and has been a very productive player all throughout his collegiate career, which began at Happy Valley back in 2022.
My question: why exactly is Dennis-Sutton torpedoing on draft boards?
Dani Dennis-Sutton. Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.Sure, the Nittany Lions had a rough year as a whole, but Dennis-Sutton finished with 42 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.
His numbers were nearly identical to what they were in 2024, so what gives?
In a recent seven-round mock draft posted by Travis May of A to Z Sports, Dennis-Sutton went to the Baltimore Ravens at pick No. 80. That's the middle of the third round.
Has Dennis-Sutton's stock really fallen so far where he is now a late Day 2 pick? Or is everyone getting it wrong?
May is far from the only person placing a Round 3 projection on Dennis-Sutton. In fact, it seems like most view him as a third-round selection at this point.
I understand that this upcoming draft class is pretty deep at edge rusher, but given how premium of a position Dennis-Sutton plays, you're telling me there isn't a single team willing to take a chance on him a bit earlier?
Maybe all of the mock drafts are on the money and Dennis-Sutton really will fall all the way to the third round this April, but it still seems a bit strange given his production.
Penn State Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Penn State Nittany Lions. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.