Recreating an identity is difficult. Luckily, Mike McCarthy has not been asked to do that with the Pittsburgh Steelers. From the very beginning, Omar Khan has repeated his goal of restructuring the franchise’s identity, not replacing it. And that vision showed itself again in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, specifically with the investment in offensive tackle Gennings Dunker.
I know what you are thinking. Didn’t Pittsburgh draft an offensive tackle in the first round?
Yes, and that decision brought mixed reactions. Drafting Max Iheanachor felt like a short-term investment with long-term potential. Gennings Dunker is a different story. The third-team All-Big Ten bruiser is versatile and known for his dependability. In 2025, he started all 13 games at right tackle and played a key role in helping Iowa’s offensive line earn Joe Moore Award honors.
Back in February, Dunker put on a show at the NFL Combine. He ran a 5.18-second 40-yard dash and posted a 32.5-inch broad jump. Pittsburgh’s new athletic lineman stood out not only because of his testing numbers but due to his high energy and polished appearance. He looked like someone ready to step into the next level without hesitation.
And I believe he has a chance to stand out even more in McCarthy’s offense very soon.
Denying Dunker’s collegiate impact would be malpractice. He is dynamic in run-blocking schemes and has the flexibility to line up at multiple positions along the offensive line. At times, his fundamentals can leave him vulnerable against more refined defenders, but that is expected from a young player transitioning to the NFL.
The Pittsburgh Steelers gave Mike McCarthy an offensive gem in Gennings Dunker
Development is part of the process, and that is exactly what coaching staffs are built for.
Luckily, Dunker has arrived in Pittsburgh at the right time. During the offseason, the front office agreed to terms with guard Brock Hoffman on a one-year deal, while also losing Isaac Seumalo in free agency. Those moves quietly opened the door for competition and opportunity. Especially for a verstaile big man.
It almost feels like the third-round pick already has a defined role waiting for him on the roster.
Pittsburgh’s heavy investment in offensive tackles may raise eyebrows, especially for fans who entered the draft with different priorities. It has been difficult at times to gauge the front office’s exact direction throughout the weekend. However, when you take a step back, the pattern becomes clear.
The Steelers are doubling down on building their foundation in the trenches.
That philosophy is not new. It is something both Khan and McCarthy emphasized long before the draft began. And clearly, they intend to follow through on it.
I would not be surprised to see Dunker involved in the offense early in his career. Pittsburgh now has a rotation of big men with hungry appetites, and only five can be on the field at once. The depth creates internal competition, which often brings out the best in players. Dunker’s versatility gives McCarthy flexibility when designing game plans, allowing him to adjust based on matchups and personnel.
If that approach leads to consistency and wins, it will be hard to argue with the results.
Add us as a preferred source on Google