With the likes of Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Joe Burrow, and the emerging Chase Brown, the Cincinnati Bengals’ offense is capable of lighting up the scoreboard against just about anybody. However, one of the main reasons they have been held back as a unit has been the inconsistent offensive line play.
The Bengals had six picks in the 2025 NFL Draft and used three on each side of the ball. Of the three offensive picks, two were used on the OL in Dylan Fairchild and Jalen Rivers. One of these rookies was named the most exciting first-year player of the Bengals heading into the minicamp by PFSN’s Brandon Austin.
Bengals’ Top Rookie to Watch Out For at the Minicamp
In 2024, Cincinnati ranked dead last in pass-block win rate and 30th in run-block win rate, making it obvious that some upgrades were dearly needed. However, defense was the bigger need for Cincinnati after allowing the seventh-most points in the NFL in 2024 (tied), picking Shemar Stewart and Demetrius Knight Jr. in the first two rounds.
The Bengals finally upgraded their offensive line in round 3 by selecting Fairchild. Austin believes the Georgia product will be the most exciting player to watch out for at the minicamp, arguing that he fits the Bengals’ blueprint for developing interior linemen.
“The former Georgia standout brings a blend of size, athleticism, and toughness that matches the Bengals’ blueprint for developing interior linemen,” Austin wrote. “While his technique is still a work in progress, Fairchild’s raw traits are hard to miss. He’s quick on his feet, plays with an aggressive edge, and has the recovery skills needed to compete in pass protection, something Cincinnati is laser-focused on improving to protect Burrow.
“Fairchild isn’t a pure power player in the run game, but he moves well in space and understands how to leverage angles. Early in his career, he projects as quality depth, but don’t be surprised if he pushes for playing time sooner than expected. His development could be key to shoring up one of the team’s most pressing weaknesses.”
Known for his physicality and aggression, Fairchild can at times be over-aggressive, which can hurt his technique and positioning. However, his quick feet and balanced stance make him effective in pass protection, where he handles speed rushers and anchors well against power. He also has a high football IQ and some projected positional flexibility, having been a two-way player in high school.
Bengals new offensive line coach Scott Peters is very hands-on in his instruction.
This is Peters working with Dylan Fairchild & Caleb Etienne during Rookie Minicamp today:#Bengals @WCPO pic.twitter.com/iSZEwQSp9f
— Caleb Noe (@CalebNoeTV) May 9, 2025
Fairchild can be a bit stiff at times when redirecting laterally, but as a blocker with solid baseline mobility, power, and strength, as well as 24 starts against SEC competition to his name, he certainly has the tools to start some games this season. He has been working extensively with the Bengals’ new offensive coordinator, Scott Peters, since the rookie minicamp, so some improvement could be expected at the minicamp.
