Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 NFL Draft grades: OL Gennings Dunker

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 01: Gennings Dunker of the Iowa Hawkeyes participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 01, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Steelers closed out an electric Night Two of their 2026 NFL Draft. After selecting Penn State quarterback Drew Allar and Georgia cornerback Daylen Everette, the Steelers used their fourth and final pick of the evening on Iowa offensive lineman Gennings Dunker. Here is what our staff had to say about it.

Ryan Parish: As a personality, I like Dunker as much as the next guy.  He’s a throwback guard if ever there was one, and who doesn’t love a red mulleted monster who does espresso shots to get jacked before games? As a prospect I have concerns about his stiffness, and he absolutely can not be left alone in space, so it makes sense he was announced as a guard. I tend to have bias against this player archetype, but it works in the right system. This is a declaration from Mike McCarthy that we’re going to lean much more into power/gap concepts in the running game, and journey farther away from zone concepts.  There were other guards I preferred on the board, but if the Steelers lean in and follow through with the running scheme change, there’s a world where he’s a fan favorite and forms a nasty duo with Zach Frazier. Grade: B

Alex Hanczar: Alas the Steeler grab a guard. With ’s departure, it was critical grab more protection for whoever is throwing the pigskin next season. Dunker is a member of the 2025 Joe Moore award winning line as the best offensive line in College Football, a presence that will certainly carry over to the NFL. Along with the accolades, Dunker is big, long, and incredibly strong. With question marks piling on the line, Dunker is a massive pick up.