Iowa's Gennings Dunker Poised for Early NFL Draft Selection

Offensive lineman Gennings Dunker looks to continue Iowa's tradition of producing top pro prospects.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 7:52am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting an offensive lineman's blocking motion, with sharp, overlapping geometric planes in the colors of the Iowa Hawkeyes' uniform, conceptually representing the physicality and athleticism of the player.Gennings Dunker's powerful blocking technique is deconstructed into a cubist masterpiece, capturing the raw athleticism and physicality of the Iowa offensive lineman.Iowa City Today

Gennings Dunker, a redshirt senior offensive lineman for the Iowa Hawkeyes, is projected to be one of the first players from the program selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. Dunker, a three-year starter at right tackle, has earned numerous All-Big Ten honors and is known for his impressive strength and physicality on the field.

Why it matters

Dunker's potential early-round selection would continue Iowa's reputation for developing top offensive line talent for the NFL. The Hawkeyes have produced several high draft picks in recent years, and Dunker's performance could further cement the program's status as an offensive line factory.

The details

Dunker, a native of Norwalk, Iowa, was a three-star recruit who committed to the Hawkeyes after attending a football camp. He redshirted his freshman year due to a foot injury but went on to start 37 games over the next three seasons, earning multiple All-Big Ten honors. Dunker allowed just nine sacks and was penalized seven times during that span, showcasing his reliability and technique.

  • Dunker committed to Iowa in the summer before his junior year of high school.
  • He redshirted his freshman year in 2022 while recovering from a foot injury.
  • Dunker made his first career start at right guard in the 2022 Music City Bowl.
  • He started 37 games over the next three seasons, from 2023 to 2025.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft will be held from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The players

Gennings Dunker

A redshirt senior offensive lineman for the Iowa Hawkeyes, known for his impressive strength, physicality, and reliability as a three-year starter at right tackle.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Dunker is a three-year starter with a pro-ready frame but limited athleticism that is likely to push him inside to guard. The move inside should accentuate his play strength and allow him to get on top of opponents more quickly, but sub-package rushers and gaming fronts could be an ongoing challenge.”

— Lance Zierlein, NFL Analyst

What’s next

Dunker is expected to be selected on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, with some projections having him going as high as the 54th overall pick to the Philadelphia Eagles.

The takeaway

Gennings Dunker's potential early-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft would continue Iowa's reputation for producing top offensive line talent, further cementing the program's status as an offensive line factory for the professional ranks.