NFL.com's Dan Parr selected Pittsburgh Steelers' third-round pick Gennings Dunker and seventh-round pick Eli Heidenreich among his favorite choices from the 2026 NFL Draft. The draft took place over three days in Pittsburgh, where the Steelers added 10 players amid some criticism. Parr praised both for their fit and potential contributions.
The 2026 NFL Draft concluded in Pittsburgh with 257 players selected across seven rounds. Among them, the Steelers made 10 picks that drew mixed reactions from analysts and front-office executives. However, NFL.com's Dan Parr highlighted two as his favorites in their respective rounds: Iowa offensive lineman Gennings Dunker, taken at No. 96 overall in the third round after a trade-up, and Navy's Eli Heidenreich, chosen at No. 230 in the seventh round. Parr noted Dunker's transition potential from right tackle to guard, comparing him to Steelers guard Mason McCormick via analyst Lance Zierlein. “Some things that happen on draft weekend just feel right. Dunker as a Steeler is one of those things,” Parr wrote. He pointed to Dunker's red mullet, gritty style, and Iowa tenure in Black and Gold colors as fitting the Steelers' blue-collar identity. Dunker is expected to fill a need at left guard following Isaac Seumalo's departure in free agency. Heidenreich's selection created a memorable moment as the hometown product celebrated on stage during Day 3. Parr emphasized his special-teams skills and versatility as a runner or receiver. “Like all seventh-round picks, Heidenreich will have to battle to make the roster, but his special-teams ability and versatility as a runner/receiver should give him a leg up on the competition,” Parr observed. Heidenreich impressed at the Combine and East-West Shrine Bowl after dominating for Navy.
