Full Breakdown
Packers Draft Penn State Edge Rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton in Fourth Round
4/26/2026, 1:30:38 PM
Draft Selection
On Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers selected Penn State defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton with the 120th overall pick, a fourth-round choice. The selection marked the Packers’ first defensive pick of the day and added a two-time third-team All-Big Ten player to their roster.
Staying at Penn State
Amid a college-football landscape where many athletes transfer to maximize exposure, Dennis-Sutton completed all four eligible seasons at Penn State. He credited the decision to learning behind first-round draft picks Chop Robinson (2024) and Abdul Carter (2025), both highly touted pass rushers. The continuity allowed him to develop within the Nittany Lions’ defensive system rather than pursuing a transfer.
College Production
Dennis-Sutton became a full-time starter in 2024. Over his final two seasons he recorded 84 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, 17 quarterback hits, six passes broken up, and five forced fumbles. He also led the Football Bowl Subdivision with three blocked kicks in his senior year. At the NFL Combine he ran a 4.63-second 40-yard dash, posted a 39½-inch vertical jump, and measured 6-5 3/8 inches tall at 256 pounds. In high school he participated in basketball and track, underscoring his athletic versatility.
Official Statements
Packers director of player personnel John Wojciechowski highlighted Dennis-Sutton’s commitment to Penn State, noting that the player’s willingness to stay and develop under a strong system aligned with the organization’s values. Dani Dennis-Sutton expressed that learning behind established NFL talent at Penn State accelerated his growth and affirmed his belief that remaining at the university was beneficial to his career trajectory.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It helps, I think with a guy that shows – especially at a place like Penn State – his commitment there to them was strong,” — John Wojciechowski, Packers director of player personnel
- “He was able to develop under a system there.” — John Wojciechowski, Packers director of player personnel
- “I felt like it taught me a lot as far as how to earn my way, earn my right to be on the field and be a star.” — Dani Dennis-Sutton, former Penn State edge rusher
- “Yeah, I think it benefitted me as opposed to transferring because I'm behind two legit guys.” — Dani Dennis-Sutton, former Penn State edge rusher
Conflicting Reports
All source material consistently reports the same draft position, statistical totals, and statements; no discrepancies or missing data were identified.
What’s Next
Dennis-Sutton will report to Green Bay’s rookie minicamp in May, where he will compete for a role on the Packers’ defensive line. The organization anticipates that his experience against top collegiate pass rushers will translate to a rotational position in his first NFL season.
