The Pittsburgh Steelers have selected Iowa OL Gennings Dunker in the third round with the 96th overall selection of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The team traded up three spots with the Seattle Seahawks, moving from No. 99 to No. 96 to take him. The Steelers gave up its sixth-round pick, No. 216, to acquire Dunker.
Earlier in the third round, the Steelers selected Penn State QB Drew Allar and Georgia CB Daylen Everette.
Known for his mullet and rugged mentality, Dunker played right tackle at Iowa but will likely move inside to guard in the NFL. The team announced him as a guard. At the NFL Combine, he checked in at 6050 and 319 pounds with 33.5-inch arms. He started 38 games at Iowa.
At the NFL Combine, he ran a 5.18 40 (1.83 10-split) with a 32.5 inch vertical and 9’0″ broad. At his Pro Day, he put up 29 reps on the bench press.
Our scouting report praised Dunker for his play strength and ability to control defenders once he latches onto them. He also shows active eyes to pick up blitzes and stunts. Negatively, he lacks athleticism, which will likely put him along the interior, and he can overextend himself in the run game.
Comparing him to Rodger Saffold, our scouting report concluded:
“Gennings Dunker is a really sound, technical offensive lineman who showed good progress in his three years at Iowa. Despite the length and power he possesses, he won’t be able to stick at right tackle. His physical and athletic limitations wouldn’t be as egregious if he kicked in to guard in the NFL, and I actually think he could be really good there because of his ability to learn, his experience, strength, and desire to finish blocks.
His best fit would be in an offense that utilizes a lot of inside-zone concepts. Pretty much every part of his personality and playing style would fit with what the Pittsburgh Steelers are looking for in an offensive lineman, but it may take him some time to make the transition to guard.”
At 23 years old, Dunker was a a three-star recruit from Lena, Illinois. He wrestled growing up, something the team has liked about previous o-line picks like C Zach Frazier. On game day, he’s known for having upwards of a 10,000-calorie diet and drinking six coffees.
Dunker will likely be given a chance to compete for the starting left guard spot left vacant by Isaac Seumalo’s departure to the Arizona Cardinals. He’ll compete with veterans Spencer Anderson and Brock Hoffman.
Read our full Dunker scouting report below.