The Pittsburgh Steelers kicked off Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft by selecting offensive tackle Max Iheanachor, setting the tone early with a clear commitment to building in the trenches. It was a move that signaled long-term thinking, protecting the quarterback and reinforcing the offensive line for years to come. But they did not stop there. In Round 2, Pittsburgh made an aggressive move, trading up to select wide receiver Germie Bernard, adding a dynamic weapon to an offense that has been searching for consistency and explosiveness on the outside.
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Steelers' Germie Bernard catches a ball during his time at Alabama during the 2025 season.
The surprises kept coming as the draft unfolded. The Steelers turned heads across the Steel City when they selected Penn State quarterback Drew Allar with the 76th overall pick, a move that immediately sparked debate about the future of the position. Just nine picks later at No. 85, Pittsburgh stayed aggressive, selecting Georgia cornerback Daylen Everette to bolster a secondary that needed more depth and playmaking ability.
It was a clear indication that the front office was not afraid to take swings at premium positions. When the Steelers got whiff of another prospect slipping, they traded up once again to take Gennings Dunker, offensive lineman out of the University of Iowa. The team continued to build in the trenches with the selection, and the move further causes concern for the future of Broderick Jones.
The Steelers select Iowa OL Gennings Dunker at No. 96. https://t.co/DdaU3q4s1w pic.twitter.com/FOvUufNhez
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 25, 2026
Through three rounds, Pittsburgh has made it clear they are not simply filling holes, but reshaping the roster with a mix of upside, need, and long-term vision. The idea that they selected Dunker at this spot should excite Steeler Nation, as he is viewed as good value at 96th overall. The worrisome part is what this truly means for Jones. It is no secret Jones has been dealing with an injury, and this could signal the end for him after the Steelers have focused so heavily on the offensive line.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan stands over near and signs pictures for the fans as the team prepares to work out during a training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
The Steelers’ offensive line continues to get better with young, exciting prospects. James Campen, the new offensive line coach, is looking to build something truly special alongside Mike McCarthy. Adding Dunker to a mix of already talented offensive linemen who are growing together is exactly the recipe for winning in the NFL in the eyes of many experts.
Steelers Fans Are Going To Love Gennings Dunker
Dunker projects as a guard in the NFL, even though he played plenty of tackle in college. He helps fill a need while also adding legitimate depth to a budding group of young talent.
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Gennings Dunker #67 a former member of the Iowa Hawkeyes looks on before the match-up against the Oregon Ducks at Kinnick Stadium on November 8, 2025 in Iowa City.
His versatility should allow him to compete early, and if he develops quickly, he could become a key piece in protecting the quarterback and establishing consistency up front for many seasons to come. It's safe to say that Steelers fans are going to fall in love with this pick.
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