Iowa offensive lineman Gennings Dunker is a standout prospect for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, known for his aggressive play and technical skills. The draft begins on April 23, 2026, with at least one Hawkeye expected to be selected.
Mar 1, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa offensive lineman Gennings Dunker (OL20) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The NFL Draft is just around the corner with the first round slated for Thursday, April 23rd with things kicking off at 7pm CT. That’s followed up by rounds 2-3 kicking off at 6pm CT on Friday, April 24th while rounds 4-7 wrap up all afternoon on Saturday the 25th. As has been the case every year since 1978, the Hawkeye will have at least one player’s name called during this year’s draft.
As we creep closer to draft day, we’ll be profiling each former Hawkeye who is likely to hear their name called during this year’s NFL Draft.
If you’re an NFL offensive line coach, Gennings Dunker is the kind of player that makes you close your laptop and call your GM. He’s mean, he’s technically sound, and he wants to put you on the ground every single snap. That’s the Iowa offensive line way, and Dunker might be the best embodiment of it since Brandon Scherff.
The three-star recruit from Illinois arrived at Iowa in 2021 and did what Iowa linemen do: he waited, he developed, and then he dominated. Dunker started 38 career games, earned First Team All-Big Ten honors from the media in 2025, and was a cornerstone of the offensive line that won the Joe Moore Award as the nation’s best unit.
Since the NFL Combine, Dunker has gone from a very good offensive lineman and All-Big Ten player to an internet sensation. The memes have been flowing as freely as his beautiful mullet. With the national spotlight has also come an opportunity to see more of what makes him special. Dunker is a smart, inquisitive player who is likely to make quick inroads with whatever offensive line he ends up joining.
Steelers Depot gave Dunker a draft grade of 8.1 (Long-Term Starter), calling him “a rugged, powerful in-line blocker built with the right stuff.” His ability to climb to the second level and bury linebackers is his calling card. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compared him to Mason McCormick, noting he’s “an experienced, scheme-versatile mauler who could conceivably play either guard or tackle.”
The consensus is that Dunker’s future is at guard, not tackle. His shuttle time (3rd among all OL at the Combine) shows the short-area quickness to thrive inside, while his limited lateral athleticism makes him vulnerable to speed rushers on the edge. WalterFootball was the most bullish: “I think Dunker has the potential to be a Pro Bowl guard in the NFL.”
Projected: Round 2-3 (Early-Mid Day 2) | NFL Comp: Rodger Saffold
Dunker has too many strengths to be a Day 3 prospect, but his limited athleticism at tackle prevents him from being a Day 1 pick — making him the quintessential Day 2 selection. Expect a team running a gap or power scheme to grab him somewhere in the 50-80 range and plug him in at right guard from Day 1. His floor is an NFL starter. His ceiling is a Pro Bowl guard. Either way, whoever drafts him is getting an Iowa lineman, and that means they’re getting a pro.
Gennings Dunker is known for his aggressive playing style, technical proficiency, and a strong desire to dominate opponents on every play.
The 2026 NFL Draft begins on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 7 PM CT.
At least one Iowa player is expected to be selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, continuing a tradition since 1978.
The last notable Iowa offensive lineman mentioned is Brandon Scherff, who is considered a benchmark for Dunker's playing style.
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