At this stage of the pre-draft process, it's not hard to get a feel for how the first few rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft could shape up. For the top fifty prospects or so, we at least have a predictive range in which they can be off the board. We also have a good feel for which positions the Pittsburgh Steelers could target in Round 1.
Pittsburgh holds the No. 21 pick in the draft this year, but owning 12 total draft picks gives general manager Omar Khan the flexibility and firepower to move up (if there's a player the Steelers have their sights set on). My early prediction is that Khan is still in the market for a wide receiver in the first round, though offensive line, cornerback, and safety can't be ruled out as options.
If the Steelers go receiver in Round 1—as many expect them to do at this stage—their dream target in the second round already feels painfully obvious.
With the 53rd overall pick in the 2026 draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers should run their card to the podium for Iowa offensive lineman Gennings Dunker, if he's still on the board when the team's second-round pick rolls around.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could crush the draft if they can steal OL Gennings Dunker in Round 2
While the defense clearly needs a youth infusion, the Steelers should look to improve their offense with their first few picks in the draft. Assuming they take a receiver in Round 1, I can't think of a better possible option in Round 2 than Gennings Dunker.
Dunker turned heads during Senior Bowl week... and not just because of his red flowing locks and square physique. The big offensive tackle out of Iowa stonewalled rushers—putting his anchoring ability and foot quickness on full display.
Dunker followed up his impressive Senior Bowl performance with an excellent showing at the NFL Scouting Combine. The Iowa product measured in at 6'5'' and 319 pounds with an 82 1/8'' wingspan. He proceeded to run a 5.18 40-yard dash while boasting a respectable 108-inch broad jump.
Compared to NFL tackles, Dunker is only an average athlete. However, many teams will view him as either a right tackle or a guard at the next level. And compared to his guard peers, he's an excellent athlete.
With a need at guard, and a potential need at tackle, Dunker is exactly who the Steelers need in the draft.
Dunker could compete with Brock Hoffman right away for the starting left guard role. If this proves to be a fit, this is where the talented offensive lineman could stay for the long haul—solidifying an interior OL that already includes Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick.
However, if Broderick Jones isn't ready to go for the season, Dunker could kick over to right tackle—where he played and dominated in college—while Troy Fautanu could slide back over to his natural position at left tackle.
Wherever he's playing, Dunker would solve the Steelers' offensive line issues. Despite his impressive resume, the Iowa product is expected to be a second-round pick. There's a chance he falls to the Steelers at pick No. 53 organically, but Pittsburgh has the firepower to jump up a handful of spots and secure him.
While landing Gennings Dunker is a move most Steelers fans would get behind, it's going to take interest from Khan and the front office. Pittsburgh's brass did not have a reported formal meeting with Dunker at the NFL Combine, so he may need to come in for a pre-draft visit to be considered in Round 2.