Full Breakdown
Steelers Trade Up to Draft Iowa Guard Gennings Dunker at No. 96
4/25/2026, 9:56:01 PM
Core Event
On Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Steelers traded picks 99 and 216 to Seattle, moving up to No. 96 to select Iowa offensive lineman Gennings Dunker, shifting him to guard.
Background
Pittsburgh entered the draft with ample capital, having already taken first-round tackle Max Iheanachor. The team adds another Big Ten lineman, deepening depth behind veterans Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick and rookie Iheanachor.
Data
Dunker is 6-5, 319 lb with an 8.56 Relative Athletic Score. Rankings vary: Jeremiah 63rd, Brugler 71st (No. 5 guard), Bleacher Report 97th. Zierlein gave a 6.23 grade, projecting an average starter.
Official Statements
GM Omar Khan said the trade was the second Day 2 move to get the player the Steelers wanted. Dunker said the guard transition was minor because Iowa’s tackle system mirrors guard play and he had guard experience as a freshman.
Criticism
Limited athleticism, mechanical footwork and lower-body stiffness could hinder pass protection. Zierlein warned of average lateral quickness and difficulty against sub-package rushers. A Steelers Depot profile flagged overextension against agile defenders.
Conflicting Reports
Rankings for Dunker range from 63rd to 97th, and grades from 6.23 to “average starter,” showing no consensus on his ceiling. Steelers have offered no detailed public evaluation beyond Khan’s trade comment.
What’s Next
In 2026 training camp Dunker will compete for left guard and could earn a starting role. Coaches stress his run-blocking power and monitor his pass-protection adaptation.
Quotes
- “At Iowa our tackles play like guards, so the biggest difference is kind of things happen faster, like the point of contact happens a little bit faster at guard compared to tackle. But it wasn't a huge transition just because of how we play at Iowa. I also played guard my freshman year.” — Gennings Dunker, Iowa OL
- “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.” — Lance Zierlein, NFL Network Analyst
- “With his red-haired mullet and brute strength, Dunker is described by his teammates as a Paul Bunyan-like folk hero. And that demeanor translates to the field in the point-of-attack strength and old-school toughness (he doesn’t wear gloves or tape on his hands).” — Dane Brugler, The Athletic
- “Thick, rugged build and playing style with the power to back it up…Delivers knock-back power upon contact that can jar second-level targets and knock them off of their feet. Does a solid job bracing and finding his anchor to maintain the width of the pocket.” — Brandon Thorn, Bleacher Report
