The Packers are coming into Week 6 with some momentum after last week’s statement victory over the Chicago Bears. The offensive line has finally found some stability with Thomlinson and Glover plugging in. I also expect the start of Kevin Zeitler at Guard to take it to another level.
On the defensive side of the ball, there’s a player on the end of the line starting to make some waves. That man is the 2026 4th round pick rookie, Dani Dennis-Sutton (DDS). Here’s why everyone in Packer Nation should be excited about this up and coming EDGE star.
Consistency Translating From College To The NFL
DDS was considered an absolute steal by most spectators and scouts at this year’s draft. He certainly had all the freaky pedigrees Gutey looks for, including a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.96 out of 10. That score placed him among the top of the class. However, the story goes deeper than test numbers. During his time with Penn State DDS recorded 23.5 sacks and 34.5 tackles for loss across 55 games.
Even more encouraging is the consistency he displayed late in his college career. DDS recorded 8.5 sacks in both 2024 and 2025, showing that his ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks wasn’t a flash in the pan or a fluke season that skewed stats.
DDS has also shown a lot of versatility. In his senior year at Penn, he tallied 12 tackles for a loss and 3 forced fumbles across 13 games. He has clearly demonstrated an ability to disrupt offenses in multiple ways.
Check out these highlights from his time with Penn.
With the Packers struggles in 2026, a rookie making an immediate impact and offering consistent and reliable production is priceless. Hopefully Dennis-Sutton will continue to adapt his game to the NFL with success. The jump from college to the NFL is substantial, and DDS has not shown any signs that the moment is too big for him.
Packers Rookie Has Elite Physicality With Tremendous Upside
I came into the 2026 season very much in the camp of Barryn Sorrell taking the starting role opposite Lukas Van Ness, however, DDS has definitely shifted my focus.
His combination of size at 6’5″ 256 lbs, serious bull rush strength, and explosive speed, point toward an insanely high ceiling for this rookie’s potential. DDS has been disruptive off the edge, utilizing a body frame that NFL teams covet at the position, along with the length to challenge offensive tackles.
Here’s what Micah Parsons had to say about DDS back in June after watching mini camp.
Dennis-Sutton made his presence known early on in 2026, and has not stopped making the most of his opportunities. Here’s a great breakdown of his NFL debut in the Preseason.
Fast forward to Week 5 and DDS was wrecking shop against the Bears. Check out the speed and bending he put on tape with his first career solo sack in the NFL against Case Keenum.
Last week certainly changed the entire narrative of that defensive front. In fact, check out this little stat courtesy of GBP Daily:
Joining The Packers And Carrying the “G”
Dennis-Sutton not only has physical strength, but he comes across as a very composed and mentally tough guy as well.
Here’s a throwback to his first locker room interview after joining the green and gold. DDS definitely respects the history of the franchise and what it means to carry the “G”.
Who Will Be Opposite Micah: DDS vs LVN
Inevitably, Micah Parsons will be hitting the practice field and ramping up towards a comeback that Packer fans everywhere are waiting for. It’s going to be very interesting to see what the defensive front will look like at that point.
I feel like it’s a pretty foregone conclusion that Lukas Van Ness will take the field opposite Parsons by default. He has continued ascending this year after turning on the gas in the second half of the 2025 season, and has put some great film together so far in 2026.
Here’s how he and DDS compare to date.
Keep in mind that LVN is higher in the depth chart, lending to the possiblity that had DDS been on the field more often, his numbers may just be right there alongside him.
At the end of the day, after most fans spent the entire off season worrying about the pass rush on the edge, the Packers now have not only playmakers, but solid and reliable depth at one of the most important positions in the league.
I’m excited to see how these 2 progress over the next few weeks, and watching the rotation once Parsons hits the field, I believe, will be absolute cinema.
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