The Cincinnati Bengals filled a massive roster hole in this year's NFL Draft with third-round pick and former Georgia Bulldogs guard Dylan Fairchild.
Bengals director of player personnel, Duke Tobin, noted before the draft that a guard would most likely be in play for Cincinnati, and head coach Zac Taylor indicated that Fairchild was someone they had their eyes on very early in the process.
USA Today Bucs Wire listed Fairchild as a player who could surprise many in his rookie year of 2025.
"We could say third-round guard Dylan Fairchild here (we certainly can't say first-rounder Shemar Stewart, though his situation is surprising), but he's not guaranteed to win a job," Bengals Wire's Chris Roling wrote. "Second-round linebacker Demetrius Knight is, though. The Bengals took some heat at the time for taking Knight because he's an older rookie. But that's what the team wanted, hoping he's an immediate plug-and-play prospect to replace Germaine Pratt next to Logan Wilson.
"So far, he's certainly looked the spot and should exceed expectations with a big snap count and stat sheet."
It was the second straight season the Bengals took a Georgia offensive lineman after selecting Amarius Mims in 2024.
Offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher said that the left guard spot is "absolutely his to win" when referencing Fairchild's ability to step in immediately and help the team.
In his NFL Draft profile for Fairchild, NFL.com's Lance Zierlein noted that his pass protection is better than his run blocking right now.
"Two-year starter who will offer more with his pass protection than his run blocking. Fairchild plays with quick hands and adequate athleticism as a move blocker. He’s big but struggles to push opponents and sustain blocks at the point of attack and wasn’t enough of a difference-maker for the run game. He’s steady in protection with decent range and active hands.
"He’s athletic enough to recover against counters but could have issues when matched against a good bull rush. Fairchild could go in the middle rounds and eventually become a starter."
