"That's Something Coaches Notice": Steelers Rookie Opening Eyes After Impressive Mini Camp

The Pittsburgh Steelers had the rookies from the 2026 draft class in the building for the first time since they were drafted or signed as undrafted free agents. A lot of the eyes were on third-round quarterback Drew Allar, as the organization and fan base are desperate to find the future at that position. It is hard to learn much from rookie minicamp, especially this time around as there were only two practices because Mother's Day was last Sunday. However, it is exciting to think about what each rookie could become and how they might be able to make an impact in 2026.

The Steelers have been investing in the offensive line consistently through the draft over the last handful of years. That trend continued into 2026 as Pittsburgh selected offensive tackle Max Iheanachor in the first round, and the franchise then picked up offensive guard Gennings Dunker in the third. These two picks were absolutely necessary as there were plenty of question marks along the offensive line going into the event, and Dunker has already become a fan favorite. His ginger mullet and blue-collar attitude fit in perfectly with Pittsburgh, and he has already been impressing according to beat writer Ray Fittipaldo during an appearance on 93.7 The Fan.

"Everyone's focused on Max Iheanachor," Fittipaldo said. "Gennings Dunker looks the part. Dorin [Dickerson], I know you know what an offensive lineman from Iowa looks like, I mean their strength and conditioning program, you can tell he's been well-schooled. I mean that guy's got tree trunks for legs. It's going to be interesting for me to see how long it takes for him to actually be in the mix at left guard. He's in excellent shape, I noticed a lot of other guys kind of dragging. But Gennings Dunker was running from drill to drill, that's something that coaches notice."

Fittipaldo had nothing but great things to say about Dunker after seeing him on the field at rookie minicamp. It is important to note that a good performance at rookie minicamp doesn't necessarily indicate an All-Pro type of career, but it is a good reason for optimism.

Dunker should be in the mix for the starting job at left guard. He has some experience playing guard in college, but he was mostly a tackle during his time at Iowa. He is transitioning to a different level of football while learning a new position, which could make things difficult on the lineman. He will eventually be competing with Spencer Anderson and Brock Hoffman for the gig, but for now, the coaching staff is probably just worried about developing him into a professional.

The left side of the offensive line for the Steelers has had question marks surrounding it ever since the end of the 2025 season. The left guard job is open after Isaac Seumalo signed elsewhere in free agency, and Broderick Jones doesn't seem like he will be ready by training camp due to his neck injury. The picks of Iheanachor and Dunker will help address that area of weakness.

Steelers May Be Doing Some Reshuffling Along The Offensive Line

Dunker could end up playing on the left side of the offensive line, but Iheanachor played right tackle in college. He could stay there, while Troy Fautanu switches back to his natural position at left tackle (where he played in college at Washington). This would obviously be an adjustment, but it would allow Iheanachor to focus on only learning one position as he enters the NFL. 

This may help his development, and Fautanu might just be the best option at left tackle for the Steelers. He was one of the best left tackles at the collegiate level, and now he could be that again as a professional.

What do you think about the comments on Dunker from minicamp? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

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