SirVocea Dennis 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background: 

• Played quarterback and defensive back in high school

• In addition to football, Dennis competed in basketball and lacrosse in high school. 
• Spent a year at prep school (2018-2019) before coming to Pittsburgh 

System: 

• Scheme tendencies: Even front
• 2022 projected role: Starting inside linebacker  

Pros: SirVocea Dennis is a fast-to-flow and urgent linebacker that features a quick trigger and can close distances in a hurry. He is a sharp processor that quickly diagnoses and has timely responses. I appreciate the disciplined nature of his game to play his part in the defense and stay committed to run fits and coverage landmarks—he isn’t easily fooled. Dennis has excellent short-area burst and closing speed which frequently shows up when blitzing and shooting gaps. He has ideal range and is springy with how he changes directions and works laterally. He is mostly a secure tackler that does well to wrap and bring his feet through contact. He has become a reliable performer at linebacker after playing quarterback and defensive back in high school 

Cons: While SirVocea Dennis doesn’t appear to be notably undersized, there is a squattiness to his build and his length is questionable. He doesn’t consistently hold his own when taking on and deconstructing blocks. He would benefit from continuing to add strength and mass to his frame if playing inside linebacker is his path at the next level, although there’s a case to be made that his best opportunity would come as a pursuit-style player. I wish there was more on his plate during passing downs. My exposures only revealed short zone drops and a considerable amount of blitzing.

SirVocea Dennis NFL Draft Scouting Report by Joe Marino