Steelers’ Powerful Rookie Is Quietly Building Toward A 2027 Takeover

The Pittsburgh Steelers may already have a long-term answer developing behind one of their most important 2026 position battles. Pittsburgh still needs to settle its starting right guard before Week 1, but the rookie with the strongest physical profile may be playing for a larger opportunity that does not arrive until next season.

Spencer Anderson has earned the first chance to secure the job. He entered camp with the first-team offense, understands the returning personnel around him and has spent three seasons proving he can handle several spots along the line. Brock Hoffman also brings professional experience and familiarity with Mike McCarthy’s system, giving Pittsburgh enough depth to avoid forcing a rookie into the lineup before he is ready.

That patience could become central to Gennings Dunker’s first NFL season. The Steelers traded up to select the former Iowa Hawkeyes lineman with the 96th overall pick, then began moving him from the right tackle position he played most often in college to guard. The power is already visible, but the technical adjustment may require a full season of work before Pittsburgh asks him to hold a starting job.

Mark Kaboly believes the organization can afford to take that approach. During a recent live show, Kaboly described 2026 as a developmental or “redshirt” season for Dunker and projected him as a legitimate candidate to move into the starting lineup next year.

“I think everybody realizes he’s a redshirt year, and he has a ton of talent,” Kaboly said. “The move to guard is significant for him. I think he’s a guy that you’re earmarking to jump into that spot next year… He’s definitely a powerful human being. Regardless if he knows what he’s doing technique-wise, if he gets his hands on you, you’re getting pushed back. That’s how powerful of a man he is. He works his butt off, too.”

The projection creates a different way to judge Dunker’s camp. He does not need to beat Anderson immediately for the pick to look promising. Pittsburgh needs to see whether he is absorbing the new position, correcting his footwork and building enough consistency to turn his raw strength into dependable NFL blocking.

Dunker’s guard transition should help some of his best traits. Playing inside reduces the amount of space a pass rusher can use against him and places him in more direct contact with defensive tackles. His heavy hands and ability to create movement should translate naturally when the offense asks him to drive a defender off the ball.

The move also exposes the areas that still need work. Interior defenders attack more quickly than edge rushers because they begin closer to the quarterback. Dunker must improve his hand timing, keep his pad level under control and recognize line movement without taking a false step. Strength can rescue an imperfect rep, but NFL defensive tackles will punish repeated technical mistakes.

James Campen has the background to manage that process. Pittsburgh’s offensive line coach identified Dunker as a powerful, aggressive player with leadership qualities before the rookie arrived. Campen also made clear that guard would be his primary position, with tackle serving as a secondary option. That defined plan gives Dunker time to build one foundation before the staff asks him to become a full five-position reserve.

A developmental year would not mean a wasted year. Dunker can still dress as a reserve, contribute in heavy packages or enter the lineup if injuries strike. His experience at tackle gives Pittsburgh another emergency option, while every practice rep at guard moves him closer to the role Kaboly expects him to challenge for in 2027.

Anderson’s contract situation adds another reason the timeline makes sense. He is entering the final year of his rookie deal and has an opportunity to establish himself as a full-time starter. A strong season could earn him a new contract in Pittsburgh or a larger market elsewhere. Either outcome could leave the Steelers needing another answer at guard next spring.

Dunker gives the organization protection without forcing an early decision. Pittsburgh can let Anderson compete for the present while developing a third-round pick for the future. If Dunker advances faster than expected, the coaching staff can increase his workload. If he needs the entire season, the roster has enough experience to give him that time.

Steelers Can Turn Patience Into A Powerful Payoff

The danger with a redshirt label is allowing it to become an excuse. Dunker cannot spend 2026 being treated like a player whose evaluation has been postponed. Pittsburgh should expect visible progress in his technique, conditioning and command of the offense throughout camp and the preseason.

His work ethic should keep the development moving. Kaboly’s description of Dunker as someone who works relentlessly supports what the Steelers valued before the draft. Campen noticed the rookie consistently volunteering to lead drills during the Senior Bowl, an early sign that he would not hide from difficult work.

The preseason will provide the first useful checkpoints. Dunker needs to show that his power works against NFL depth players, that his hands arrive on time and that he can recover when the initial strike fails. The final result of each rep matters, but the staff should also study whether the same errors continue appearing.

Pittsburgh has spent several drafts building a young offensive line rather than searching for temporary fixes. Zach Frazier, Troy Fautanu and Mason McCormick already form much of the foundation. Dunker does not have to join them as an immediate starter to become another important piece.

Kaboly’s projection gives the rookie a clear path. Learn the position now, use his strength to force steady improvement and prepare to challenge for a starting job when the roster changes next year. The Steelers may not need Dunker to take over in 2026. They need him to make a 2027 takeover look increasingly realistic.

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