Pittsburgh Steelers selected Iowa offensive lineman Gennings Dunker at No. 96 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft to bolster left guard. Scouts highlighted his run-blocking prowess and potential to succeed inside despite limited guard experience. The pick addresses a key need after passing on earlier options.
The Pittsburgh Steelers waited until late on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft to address their left guard position, selecting Gennings Dunker from Iowa at pick No. 96. After missing out on Emmanuel Pregnon, Chase Bisontis, and Vega Ioane, the team found value in Dunker, who many projections had going late in the second round. Scouts spoke highly of his abilities in anonymous comments to Bob McGinn via Go Long, ranking him as the No. 5 interior offensive lineman in the draft class. One scout noted, “He’s big enough for tackle and his arms are long enough and then some. Right tackle is his position, but he might be a better guard.” Another added, “He’ll move people out. I like the dude.” A third emphasized his interior fit: “Inside, boy, when he’s in the run game, boy, he gets on guys and mauls ’em. He’s definitely an inside player.” Dunker joins Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick to form a physical interior trio, all with strong wrestling backgrounds that aid leverage and hand strength. He will learn under experienced offensive line coach James Campen alongside other young linemen transitioning to the NFL. While one scout observed he “looks like a fish out of water” against pass rush on the outside, his play strength should shine at guard.
