Steelers Have Fascinating Long-Term Plan Brewing On Offensive Line

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2026 NFL Draft needing to continue strengthening an offensive line that has undergone a youth movement. Pittsburgh traded up to select Gennings Dunker with the 96th overall pick, adding another powerful blocker to a room filled with young talent.

Dunker arrived with 38 collegiate starts at Iowa, but his transition required more than adjusting to NFL competition. He primarily played right tackle in college, while the Steelers drafted him with the intention of developing him at guard. That position change naturally created a learning curve during his first professional training camp.

Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly provided a clear assessment of Dunker's progress while speaking on Kaboly + Mack on Tuesday. The rookie's physicality has translated immediately, but his pass protection remains too inconsistent for the coaching staff to trust him with an important role.

"Well, in pass blocking, [Gennings Dunker] is still struggling with that," Kaboly said. "But he is a mauler. He will knock you over. That's all you're looking for right now."

That evaluation should not create concern for Steelers fans. Dunker is only 23 years old and possesses the type of mentality that should help him improve the longer he remains in Pittsburgh's system. His strength and aggression cannot be easily taught, while his technique can be sharpened through repetition.

Dunker's ability to move defenders gives him a foundation from which to develop. However, struggling in pass protection limits his current ceiling. Pittsburgh cannot place an offensive lineman on the field simply because he can overwhelm defenders in the running game, especially with Aaron Rodgers requiring dependable protection.

The encouraging part is that the Steelers do not need to rush Dunker. Offensive Line Coach James Campen and Head Coach Mike McCarthy have enough depth to give him a developmental season without forcing him into action before he is prepared. Kaboly does not believe Dunker is currently challenging for the starting right guard position. He went further by questioning whether the rookie will dress on game days, although he remains confident Pittsburgh will protect its investment.

"I will tell you, he is not even in the mix at all to start, or even be active, or even be game-day active, I don't think," Kaboly said. "But he will stay on the roster the entire year, rightfully so."

The Steelers traded the 99th and 216th overall selections to move up three spots for Dunker. Cutting a third-round rookie with his physical traits before giving Campen time to develop him would make little sense. This season can become an educational year without carrying the negative implications commonly associated with a failed pick.

Dunker can learn the speed of playing guard, improve his hand placement and become more comfortable handling interior pass rushers. He also gets to study behind experienced players rather than being forced to survive through mistakes.

Steelers Have Separate Battle At Right Guard

Dunker's developmental timeline shifts the immediate competition toward Brock Hoffman and Spencer Anderson. Kaboly believes Pittsburgh has recently given Hoffman a serious opportunity to win the job.

"I think where you have to focus or switch to now is whether it's going to be Spencer Anderson or Brock Hoffman," Kaboly said. "It looks like they're giving Hoffman a good look now at that right guard spot."

Hoffman should be the more trustworthy Week 1 option. He previously played under McCarthy with the Dallas Cowboys, giving him valuable familiarity with the system. His aggressive personality also appears to fit naturally beside Mason McCormick, potentially giving Pittsburgh two physical interior blockers capable of establishing an identity.

Anderson offers versatility and experience, but Hoffman brings a combination of toughness and operational familiarity that could provide the advantage. His emergence would allow Dunker to develop without pressure while still giving the Steelers a dependable starter. Success for Dunker in 2026 would mean steadily improving his pass protection, adjusting fully to guard and positioning himself for a larger role next summer. One bold prediction is that Dunker earns an opportunity to start at some point during the 2027 season. Pittsburgh drafted him for his long-term ceiling, not because it desperately needed him to play immediately. Having enough depth to remain patient should be considered a positive development for the Steelers.

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