Steelers Rookie Gennings Dunker Gets Massive Vote Of Confidence

The Pittsburgh Steelers have fans excited after selecting 10 new rookies in the 2026 NFL Draft. Still, with such a large class, there’s uncertainty about whether all 10 will make the final roster. Several Steelers insiders have already suggested that not every rookie will stick around. Even so, seven of Pittsburgh’s 10 draft picks came on the offensive side of the ball, a move Steelers fans have been calling for over the last several years. In Mike McCarthy’s first draft as Steelers head coach, the emphasis on upgrading the offense was clear. One under-the-radar addition was Iowa offensive lineman Gennings Dunker, whom Pittsburgh selected with the No. 96 overall pick in the third round.

Dunker’s selection continues General Manager Omar Khan’s commitment to strengthening the trenches on offense, something he has prioritized since taking over as GM. Former Steelers Super Bowl champion Trai Essex recently shared some concerns about Dunker’s transition to the NFL. While Essex likes several aspects of Dunker’s game, he noted that the rookie could face challenges in pass protection, particularly at guard and especially within the physical AFC North.

Essex explained that Dunker tends to play a bit too high, which could create issues early on at the next level. However, he believes working with new offensive line coach James Campen could help Dunker clean up those deficiencies and develop into a more polished player. Still, Essex made it clear that the adjustment won’t be easy for the rookie, suggesting those concerns may have contributed to Dunker sliding into the third round. Not everyone shares that outlook, though. Steelers insider Mike DeFabo recently offered a different perspective on his podcast, The Yinziders.

"I think the guy that I would guess and project, I think Gennings Dunker has a real opportunity to lead this rookie class in snaps," DeFabo said while speaking on his podcast, The Yinziders. "I think he will have a chance to start and/or play very early. Once he gets into that lineup, you have to imagine he will be an every-down type of guy."

That’s an interesting perspective from DeFabo because he is basically directly contradicting what Essex believes about Dunker. This is no disrespect to DeFabo, but Essex did play the position at the NFL level for eight seasons and won two Super Bowls, so it is safe to say that what he has seen on tape that worries him about Dunker’s readiness is a valid concern.

The interesting part, though, is if DeFabo believes Dunker will truly be the rookie out of this group to earn the most reps. That would mean Dunker is going to have to develop quickly under Campen if the Steelers need to throw him into action early. There is a vacancy on the offensive line now that the left guard spot is open. Dunker primarily made his money in college as a right tackle, but his frame projects him as a capable guard in the NFL, and potentially even better at that position.

Steelers' Dunker Expected To Get Most Rookie Snaps In 2026 NFL Season

Pittsburgh also traded up in the second round to land wide receiver Germie Bernard, and many assume he will come right in as a rookie and play immediately. That is why DeFabo stating that Dunker is his projection to get the most snaps of this rookie class was so interesting. 

Just like when the Steelers got Mason McCormick in the fourth round, he ended up getting an opportunity, making the most of it, and becoming a reliable starter so far in his career. The Steelers offensive line is young and growing together, and Dunker is going to have a legitimate chance to be part of that. Though he must fix his deficiencies quickly, as Essex previously stated.

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