Summary

Dennis “The Barbarian” Gardeck entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2018 out of the University of Sioux Falls, a Division II program, after a prolific college career where he was a three-time All-American and a finalist for the Cliff Harris Award as one of the nation’s top small-college defensive players. At Sioux Falls and previously at West Virginia State, he compiled 345 career tackles, 32 sacks, nine forced fumbles, and multiple accolades as an impact defender. Gardeck spent the first seven seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, carving out a role as a high-effort edge defender and core special teams piece before signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025. On the field, he has totaled over 150 tackles, 18.5 sacks, two interceptions, and multiple forced fumbles in his NFL career while consistently exceeding expectations for an undrafted player. Characteristically, Gardeck is known for his high motor, toughness, and leadership.

Strengths

• High Effort & Competitiveness: Plays with relentless energy and unacceptable effort on every snap; consistently chases down plays and makes opponents earn every yard.

• Pass-Rush Upside: Gardeck has seasons with 7.0 and 6.0 sacks despite not being a down-in, down-out player and is particularly effective in sub-packages and on stunt/ twist concepts.

• Special Teams Value: Strong core special teams contributor throughout his career, consistently trusted in kickoff and punt coverage units. Known as a leader and high-character locker room presence; inspires teammates with effort and work ethic.

• Versatility: Comfortable lining up as a traditional edge rusher, stand-up linebacker, and in certain blitz packages; varied usage in defensive fronts.

Weaknesses

• Size/Length Limitations: Gardeck lacks ideal size for a three-down edge defender in many schemes; can be neutralized by larger, stronger tackles, making him a “specialty” chess piece type linebacker.

• Injury History: Multiple ACL injuries and missed time raise durability concerns and could limit long-term availability, especially as he enters his 30s.

• Run Defense: While his effort is elite, struggles at times getting through traffic and muck against physical run-blocking linemen and in setting the edge consistently.

• Coverage Limitations: Limited role and upside in coverage assignments compared to more complete linebackers, especially against more athletic tight end profiles.

Outlook

Gardeck projects best as a rotational edge defender and core special teams ace in most NFL schemes. His motor and effort make him a valuable depth piece on the edge, capable of splitting snaps with other rushers and providing bursts of pressure in sub-packages. Given his injury history and size profile, he’s less likely to be a full-time every-down starter in a traditional 4-3 or 3-4 defense but can be highly impactful in specialized pass-rush sets and situational roles. In Jacksonville’s scheme, Gardeck offers experienced depth behind primary edge rushers and brings leadership to a developing defensive unit, especially when it comes to 3rd and long passing situations where he can be deployed as a blitzer through any gap or edge. If he can stay healthy and sustain situational pass-rush productivity, he should carve out several more productive seasons as a veteran rotational player and special teams stalwart.