The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who the Green Bay Packers could select in the 2026 NFL draft.
Since taking over as general manager of the Green Bay Packers in 2018, Brian Gutekunst has drafted 17 offensive linemen.
That number figures to increase and could even reach 20 by the end of the 2026 NFL Draft. A potential target could be Gennings Dunker. The Iowa offensive lineman checks in at No. 73 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
A three-star recruit out of Illinois, Dunker earned his first start at right guard during his redshirt freshman season. He then went on to start 38 games at right tackle for the Hawkeyes.
“Dunker was a mainstay for the Hawkeyes offensive line,” Riley Donald, a contributor for Hawkeyes Wire, said. With three full years under his belt, he knew the system inside and out, while providing continuity to a unit that was built on experience.”
At 6-4, 320 pounds with 34-inch arms, Dunker certainly looks the part of an NFL offensive lineman. The Iowa product is a mauling run blocker and has a strong upper body to overwhelm defenders at contact. He plays with a mean streak and keeps his legs driving at contact to create movement and open up running lanes. Dunker seems to take pleasure in bullying defenders.
“Gennings Dunker lives to bury other humans,” Donald said. “He is athletic enough to pull, strong enough to drive, and smart enough to understand leverage.”
In pass protection, he has the length to stay at tackle, and if he times up his punch, he can keep defenders at bay. However, he’s likely better in a phone booth, rather than playing on an island. He is a bit rigid, and he will struggle to stay in front of speed. He has the anchor to absorb power and has thunder in his hands. This past season, Dunker gave up two sacks and 10 pressures.
“Dunker can handle his own here just fine,” Donald said. “He has the height and length to keep defenders at bay and the technique to handle moves from defensive linemen.”
Fit with the Packers
The Packers are set to have Rasheed Walker and Sean Rhyan hit free agency, while Elgton Jenkins could potentially be a cap casualty.
With those potential departures, the Packers will need to invest heavily in the offensive line as they look for a new starting center, a swing tackle and interior depth.
Adding a player like Dunker would give the Packers a player capable of challenging Belton for the starting right guard spot, while also providing depth at right tackle and guard.
“It’s an Iowa offensive lineman,” Donald said. “Don’t overthink this. It really can be that simple sometimes. Draft the guy with a ton of experience who can move around and has already shown he can compete against the best. Sometimes the easiest answer is the right one. Gennings Dunker is both.”
Dunker is a physical tone-setter. The Packers need an offensive lineman who plays with an edge. He’ll blast open running lanes for Josh Jacobs.
With his versatility and run-blocking chops, Dunker could be a target for the Packers in the fourth round as they look for help in the trenches.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Unpacking Future Packers: No. 73, Iowa OL Gennings Dunker
Reporting by Brennen Rupp, Packers Wire / Packers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
