Steelers' Gennings Dunker Seeks Versatility to Climb Depth Chart The Pittsburgh Steelers prioritized Gennings Dunker in the 2026 NFL draft, selecting him with their final Day 2 pick. While the offensive lineman shows promise, his path to significant playing time in his rookie season remains uncertain. During training camp, Dunker has primarily competed among backup players for a spot at right guard, with his versatility emerging as a critical factor in his development. Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger emphasized the importance of adaptability, citing Trai Essex as a historical example of a player who thrived by mastering multiple positions. Roethlisberger highlighted versatility as a key trait for offensive linemen, noting that Dunker’s ability to play multiple roles could secure his place on the roster. The Steelers’ coaching staff, which values multi-position players, has already begun shaping Dunker’s role. Though he was a tackle in college, the team believes his transition to guard at the professional level will better suit his skills. This shift, however, comes with a learning curve, which explains his current position lower on the depth chart. Dunker’s competition for playing time includes Spencer Anderson and Brock Hoffman, both of whom have leveraged their versatility to their advantage. Hoffman, a first-team offensive lineman in training camp, has demonstrated flexibility by playing both center and guard. His experience under former coach Mike McCarthy in Dallas further enhances his value. Anderson, a seventh-round pick, has similarly thrived by adapting to various positions on the offensive line. His ability to play essentially anywhere on the front has kept him on the roster, and with a contract year approaching, his chance for a starting role is growing.#pittsburgh_steelers #mike_mccarthy #ben_roethlisberger #gennings_dunker #trai_essex
