Iowa's Gennings Dunker Drafted as Eagles Face Life After Lane Johnson
PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Eagles knew Lane Johnson's Hall of Fame career was winding down. Now that the 36-year-old right tackle announced Saturday that this will likely be his final season, the team's decision to pass on an offensive tackle in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is drawing scrutiny. But for Iowa football fans, the story has a local twist: former Hawkeye offensive lineman Gennings Dunker was among the tackles selected later in the draft.
Dunker, a standout from the University of Iowa, was taken in the third round by an undisclosed team. He was one of 22 offensive tackles selected across the seven-round draft, following a run of seven tackles in the first round. The Eagles, however, chose to wait until the third round to address the position, selecting Miami's Markel Bell with the 68th overall pick.
How the Eagles Plan to Replace a Legend
The Eagles have a history of developing elite tackles, from Tra Thomas to Jason Peters to Jordan Mailata. Now they are betting on Bell, a 6-foot-10, 350-pound rookie who played mostly left tackle in college but has been taking reps on the right side during training camp.
“There are some growing pains,” Bell said earlier this week. “But I'm getting better each and every day. I'm getting more confident, and it will help me in the long run. I feel like it's more of a mental thing. Especially me going left to right, it's more of a mental game.”
If Bell develops, the Eagles have a ready-made successor with a year of learning behind Johnson. If not, the team passed on a deep tackle class that included seven first-rounders and several mid-round prospects like Dunker.
Iowa's Gennings Dunker: A Hawkeye in the NFL Pipeline
Dunker, who anchored Iowa's offensive line during his college career, was selected in the third round. The Hawkeyes have a strong tradition of producing NFL-ready linemen, and Dunker is expected to compete for playing time early in his career. His selection underscores the value Iowa places on developing pro-style offensive linemen, a pipeline that has produced stars like Tristan Wirfs and Brandon Scherff.
The Eagles, meanwhile, are leaning on their own development system. Bell has drawn praise from Johnson himself.
“He's one of the best rookies I've been around as far as being in the playbook, no complaining,” Johnson said. “I haven't heard him complain one time. He's always asking questions. Just a really mature young man.”
Can Bell Live Up to the Eagles' Legacy?
The Eagles' offensive line tradition is storied, stretching back to the 1940s with Al Wistert and continuing through the 1970s with Jerry Sisemore and Stan Walters. Bell is wearing No. 72, the same number Thomas wore during his Hall of Fame career.
Bell also credited Mailata, a seventh-round pick who became a Pro Bowl left tackle, for mentoring him.
“He's turning into the big brother that I needed, especially at this level,” Bell said. “He's been there with me. He's been patient with me. We're just talking about everything — life in general, football.”
For Iowa fans, the draft class of 2026 offers a reason to watch the NFL closely. Dunker's journey from Kinnick Stadium to the pros is a testament to the Hawkeyes' program. And in Philadelphia, the Eagles are hoping their own investment in Bell pays off as they prepare for life after Johnson.
FAQ: What This Means for Iowa Football Fans
Who is Gennings Dunker?
Gennings Dunker is a former University of Iowa offensive lineman drafted in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. He was one of 22 offensive tackles selected and is expected to compete for a roster spot.
Why did the Eagles pass on a first-round tackle?
The Eagles chose to address other needs in the first round, believing they could find value later. They selected Miami's Markel Bell in the third round, banking on his size and potential.
How does this affect Iowa's NFL pipeline?
Dunker's selection continues Iowa's tradition of producing NFL-ready offensive linemen. The Hawkeyes have sent multiple linemen to the pros in recent years, reinforcing their reputation as a developmental powerhouse.
What is Lane Johnson's legacy?
Johnson, a likely Hall of Famer, has been the Eagles' starting right tackle since 2013. His retirement marks the end of an era for one of the NFL's most consistent offensive lines.