The Pittsburgh Steelers continued checking boxes on their rookie to-do list Saturday, officially announcing the signings of three members of their 2026 draft class.
Guard Gennings Dunker, fullback Riley Nowakowski, and cornerback Daylen Everette have all agreed to four-year rookie contracts, according to the team’s official website.
Dunker arrives in Pittsburgh as one of the more intriguing developmental offensive line additions in the class. The former University of Iowa standout built a reputation
as a tough, physical blocker with the kind of edge the Steelers have traditionally valued in the trenches. At 6-foot-5 with impressive power at the point of attack, Dunker will compete for a starting guard job from day one.
Nowakowski gives the Steelers another versatile chess piece in the backfield. The former University of Indiana product played a traditional tight end role in college but also flashed value on special teams and in short-yardage packages. With Pittsburgh expected to lean heavily on a physical rushing attack under head coach Mike McCarthy, Nowakowski could carve out a niche quickly if he proves dependable in camp.
Everette brings SEC pedigree, high-end athleticism, and experience playing in a championship-caliber defense. Pittsburgh has continued emphasizing speed and versatility in the secondary, and Everette’s ability to play both outside corner and contribute on special teams should boost his chances of playing time early.
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