Steelers Trade Up Three Spots, Draft G Gennings Dunker

The Steelers are moving up three slots in the 2026 NFL Draft, sending the 99th and 216th picks to the Seahawks to select Iowa offensive guard Gennings Dunker at No. 96 overall. A three-year starter at right tackle for the Hawkeyes, it seems Pittsburgh has interest in Dunker on the interior offensive line.

At a school like Iowa that produces offensive linemen left and right, holding a starting job for three years is nothing to scoff at. After redshirting the 2021 season, Dunker debuted as a redshirt freshman coming off the bench for a few games at left and right guard before earning his first career start in the Hawkeyes’ bowl game. In 2023, Dunker was named the team’s starting right tackle, and he didn’t relinquish the role until he ran out of eligibility.

Most of the knocks on Dunker as a pro prospect focused on his abilities as an offensive tackle, but some of his best traits set him up well for a future as an NFL guard. Impressive upper-body strength will work well in a phone booth on the interior, and his strengths as a people mover in the run game will be well-suited on the inside, as well. Injuries hounded him at times throughout his time in Iowa City, but ultimately, he only missed two games (not counting his redshirt season).

The Steelers are confidently returning three starters on their offensive line from last year. Left tackle Broderick Jones has not inspired confidence in his abilities or durability over three years of play, and Pittsburgh selected Max Iheanachor on Day 1 to address that potential concern. The team also saw left guard Isaac Seumalo depart for Arizona in free agency, so Dunker will have a clear opportunity to compete for the open starting job there.