Offensive lineman Gennings Dunker has emerged as a promising candidate for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, thanks to his impressive collegiate career at Iowa. According to Mike DeFabo from The Athletic, Dunker’s combination of skills, size, and personality make him an ideal fit for Pittsburgh, where the iconic black and gold colors resonate with his style.
During an appearance on the Scoop City podcast with NFL insider James Palmer, DeFabo expressed his belief that Dunker embodies the quintessential Pittsburgh athlete. He humorously noted Dunker’s distinctive red mullet, saying he’s “literally made to be eating a Primanti Brothers sandwich in Pittsburgh.” This quirky but charming description highlights Dunker’s appeal, both on and off the field.
Dunker, who played 47 games with 38 starts during his time at Iowa, is regarded as one of the top interior offensive linemen in this draft class. Although he played tackle in school, his projection as a guard suits the Steelers’ current needs, particularly if veteran Isaac Seumalo departs in free agency. Dunker, turning 24 in May, is noted for his physical style of play, drawing comparisons to established NFL guard Roger Saffold due to his size and agility.
Seumalo has been a reliable starter at left guard for the Steelers for the past three seasons, but with his age—33—and a history of injuries, the franchise may look to make a change. General Manager Omar Khan has previously praised backup Spencer Anderson, yet there remains a significant void in the interior offensive line that Dunker could fill.
With three third-round picks at their disposal, the Steelers might seize the opportunity to draft Dunker, who could initially slide down the board due to the NFL’s trend of undervaluing guard positions. With new coaches James Campen and Jahri Evans bringing fresh perspectives to the offensive line, Dunker’s potential addition could be a key move towards strengthening the team’s future. The prospect of Dunker joining the Steelers paints a hopeful picture for Pittsburgh fans, excited about the possibility of enhancing their offensive line’s depth and performance.