While the Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t use all 12 of their 2026 draft picks, they still made 10 selections. That included adding five players on the first two days of the draft. Max Iheanachor might get the most attention because he was the team’s first-round pick, but other members of their draft class should have chances to contribute as rookies. That includes offensive lineman Gennings Dunker, who was Brian Baldinger’s favorite third-round pick this year.
“Gennings Dunker, we all saw him at the Senior Bowl, we all fell in love with the mullet,” Baldinger said recently on NFL Network’s The Insiders. “He’s an Iowa kid that played right tackle. But they lost their left guard in free agency this year, Isaac Seumalo. I think Gennings Dunker has got his eyes on that position at left guard. He can step in and play that position and be like a Steeler. Just nasty as can be.”
Dunker was the last of the Steelers’ three third-round picks, but he has the easiest path to contributing as a rookie. While Dunker spent most of his college career at right tackle, he logged some snaps at guard. He’s stated that he’s been preparing for a potential position change in the NFL, too, so moving to guard shouldn’t be a total shock for him.
Spencer Anderson and Brock Hoffman stand as his competition currently. Both have started in the past, but they’ve mainly been backups. Anderson has been with the Steelers since 2023, and he stepped up last year as the Steelers’ sixth offensive lineman.
Meanwhile, Hoffman is new to Pittsburgh, spending the last four seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. However, he also played for Mike McCarthy for most of that time, so he’s not a stranger to the Steelers’ offensive system.
There’s no guarantee that Dunker will beat both of them out for the starting job to begin the season. That doesn’t mean he’ll spend his whole rookie year on the bench. Perhaps he could work his way up as the season progresses. Injuries happen, too. Dunker is versatile, which could help him see the field more.
Dunker’s attitude should help him fit in with the Steelers. Like Baldinger says, he’s nasty. His physicality is evident when watching him. Depending on how he handles changing positions, he could help the Steelers solidify their young offensive line.
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