One prospect the Denver Broncos could select in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft is Iowa offensive lineman Gennings Dunker. He is a 6-5, 319-pound offensive lineman who played tackle in college but is projected to shift inside to guard in the NFL. The Athletic’s lead draft analyst, Dane Brugler, has Dunker ranked as his fifth-best guard in this draft class and has him graded as his 84th overall prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Dunker spent his entire four-year college career at Iowa, appearing in 47 games, including 13 this past season. He was Iowa’s starting right tackle from 2023 through 2025 and turned into one of the better offensive linemen in the nation during that span. In 2024, he was named to the Second-Team All-Big Ten team, and this past season, he made the First-Team All-Big Ten team. He would then be invited to the Senior Bowl, where he quickly became one of the standout players during that practice, proving to scouts he is one of the better offensive linemen in this draft.
For the Broncos, they brought back veteran Ben Powers after there was speculation that he could be a trade candidate, and they also re-signed versatile reserve Alex Palczewski. However, head coach Sean Payton has emphasized keeping the trenches strong, and adding a player like Gennings Dunker could add depth in the short-term while also giving them a potential long-term starter for their offensive line.
Player Profile
Gennings Dunker | Offensive Line | Iowa
Height: 6-5
Weight: 319 pounds
Arm Length: 33.5 inches
Hand Size: 10 inches
40-time: 5.18 seconds
10-Yard Split: 1.83 seconds
Vertical Jump: 32.5 inches
Broad Jump: 9-0
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.63 seconds
Scouting Report
Started for three years at Iowa and enters the NFL with a ton of experience
Has the size, length, strength, and mindset you look for in an NFL offensive lineman
A mauler in the run game
Violent at the point of attack, has strong hands, and will play through the whistle
Anchors well and rarely gets pushed backwards
Has no issues knocking linebackers out of the way when he reaches the second level
Solid pass blocker who only allowed 2 sacks and 10 pressures this past year for Iowa
High motor, toughness, intelligence, and plays with a mean streak
Versatile player who has experience at tackle, guard, and is even willing to play center
Weaknesses
Likely not a tackle in the NFL and will be moving inside to guard (most likely) or center
Not the most athletic and doesn’t move the best in space
Plays with high pad-level at times
A better run blocker than pass blocker, so he may not be a fit for all teams
What other analysts are saying about Iowa OL Gennings Dunker
The Athletic’s lead draft analyst, Dane Brugler, on Iowa OL Gennings Dunker
A college right tackle who projects best inside at guard, Dunker plays with brute strength and old-school toughness. Some lower-body stiffness pops up, but he loads ammo into his hands to be a nasty mauler in the run game.
NFL.com’s draft analyst Lance Zierlein on Iowa OL Gennings Dunker
Dunker is a three-year starter with a pro-ready frame but limited athleticism that is likely to push him inside to guard. He plays with average pad level, heavy hands and enough upper-body power to displace defenders if he plays with more consistent hand placement. His lateral quickness is average and his movements in space are mechanical, leading to difficulty making needed adjustments. The move inside should accentuate his play strength and allow him to get on top of opponents more quickly, but sub-package rushers and gaming fronts could be an ongoing challenge.
Gennings Dunker RAS
Should the Broncos draft Gennings Dunker in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft?
If they want to continue adding to their trenches, then yes.
At the end of the day, the Broncos have very few needs on their roster. Sure, they could add a tight end or running back here, but they could easily draft those days on day 3. They have two starting linebackers already, Jonah Elliss taking some linebacker snaps, and they signed a safety in free agency.
When teams lack needs, they can go one of two ways. Spend premium draft picks on luxury positions OR continue to add talent to their trenches. In this case, I am making a case for the Broncos to add to their offensive line.
Sean Payton has put an emphasis on the offensive line since he joined the Broncos, and now they are considered one of the top units in the NFL. While they don’t have an immediate need here, Dunker could be viewed as a future replacement for Ben Powers while also giving them some talented depth this upcoming season.
His overall profile reminds me a lot of Quinn Meinerz when he was coming out. Dunker isn’t coming from a small school, but they give off the same vibes. Maulers in the run game, play with the mindset you need, high-motor players, and just the type of players you want along your offensive line.
Going offensive line here would not be my first choice, but when it comes to smart roster building, this would be an excellent pick for the Broncos.