Dylan Cooper Fairchild, born on May 8, 2003, is an American professional football guard currently playing for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). His journey to the NFL is marked by exceptional achievements in both wrestling and football, showcasing his athleticism and competitive spirit.
Dylan Fairchild with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2025
Early Life and High School Career
Fairchild attended West Forsyth High School in Cumming, Georgia, where he excelled in both wrestling and football. He quickly became a dominant force on the offensive line for West Forsyth High School.
Fairchild, simply put, has been a bear on the offensive line for West Forsyth High School. Fairchild is also the third All-American offensive lineman that signed up to play for assistant coach Matt Luke in the 2021 cycle.
The level of athleticism he brings to the table was evident in how he pinned an opponent in four seconds during the 7A state wrestling championships a year ago. He never lost a match and pinned all of his opponents.
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His wrestling background significantly contributed to his football skills. As Jon Stinchcomb noted, "You watch him play and he plays like a wrestler. He bends really well. He uses leverage...Dylan Fairchild is cut from that same cloth."
MACON - Dylan Fairchild says he has been wrestling since he was five years old. He’s done it all his life.
For Fairchild, the quest on Friday was to repeat as …
ATHENS - Georgia football has had West Forsyth High School produce Dylan Fairchild pinned down since his commitment on May 30.
Dylan Fairchild is a state heavyweight wrestling champion and an All-American football player out of West Forsyth High School in Georgia.
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College Career at Georgia
Fairchild chose Georgia because he could think of no better place to get an education and play at the highest levels of college football. He committed to Georgia, citing the strong chemistry he felt with the program and the opportunity to surround himself with the best people in the country.
“I think all around, academically and football side of the things, this is going to be the best decision I make in my life,” Fairchild said last May when he committed to Georgia. “I feel the chemistry at Georgia. I feel a serious match with them.”“I have to surround myself with the best people in the country and there’s no better place to do that than Georgia.”
He played in 34 total games over four seasons (2021-24) in Athens, with each of his 24 career starts coming in the past two years .
He started all 14 games for the Bulldogs in 2024 and earned both second-team All-America and second-team All-Southeastern Conference honors from the Associated Press.
Fairchild's Strengths and Weaknesses According to NFL Scouting Services
According to Ourlads’ NFL Scouting Services, Fairchild has an imposing frame with a well-proportioned build. He has a solid wrestling background which can be seen with his balance and good base. At the snap shows quick and short choppy steps into the man head on. Hands are normally in a good striking position. Locks on and drives. Competitive nature is a plus as a finisher on drive blocks. Really sits down on pass protection, utilizes his strength to help on the “1” with a punch or both hands on the “3”. Uses good hand speed when punching out defenders. Mirror ability is above average and has been reliable reacting to tackle twists and end/tackle stunts.
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Appears a little stiff when pulling. Needs to stay with the first man in combo blocks longer and has some problems working to the second level. Has limited experience with really only a season and a half as a starter, but has steadily climbed up the draft lists as an athlete to watch. His ability to pass protect is a big plus in his development but needs to be more consistent. Overextends himself in the heat of the battle. Plays a bit high and allows the defender into his frame.
Fairchild is an experienced offensive guard on the Georgia Bulldogs team who played predominately left guard but did play right guard for limited snaps in the 2023 season when asked to. Fairchild has very heavy hands and a powerful punch to pop guys at first contact with good strike timing. He also does a nice job resetting his hands if he doesn’t make first contact and has counter-swipes to eliminate long-arm and swim moves. He’s always looking for extra work and gives great effort down-to-down.
With his labored footwork, he can struggle with delayed rushers and mirror the more athletic lineman and edge rushers to pick them up. He also tends to carry his hands low and wide, which creates too many opportunities for defenders to access his chest, and he tends to hug guys when he feels them slipping away.
As a run blocker, he comes off the snap, being very aggressive and strong with his hands. Fairchild often makes the first contact with quickness and frequently moves guys off the line of scrimmage. He identifies good aiming points to win the leverage battle and drive them out of the play. When it comes to duo blocks, he can displace guys and get to the second level quickly. He can also pull and seal well for a guy his size.
Fairchild has the requisite size, length, power, and athleticism to be an eventual starter in the NFL. He just doesn’t have the athletic traits to move with speedier guys and be on an island despite his physical stature. Ideally, he would take a redshirt year in his rookie season and develop behind a veteran guard before eventually finding his way into a starting role.
NFL Draft and Career with the Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati selected Fairchild in the third round of April's draft, adding a proven interior offensive lineman out of the University of Georgia.
On April 26, 2025, Jason Williams of the Cincinnati Enquirer provided an instant grade and analysis for the 81st pick, highlighting Fairchild's potential impact on the team.
From state champion wrestler to SEC standout, Dylan Fairchild's path to the NFL draft has been paved with pure physicality and competitive fire. The West Forsyth product dominated Georgia's high school wrestling scene with an untouchable 67-0 record before bringing that same tenacious mentality to Athens.
Despite playing in only 34 career games with 24 starts, Fairchild's rapid development has been remarkable. His senior season saw him elevate from reliable starter to genuine difference-maker, culminating in All-SEC recognition and a coveted Senior Bowl invitation that solidified his draft stock.
Fairchild enters the NFL as a high-upside guard prospect whose elite pass protection skills give him a solid foundation to build upon. His impressive athletic testing and fluid movement skills suggest untapped potential in zone blocking schemes, though he'll need development time to fully unlock his capabilities in the run game.
Look for Fairchild to start his career as a rotational guard while he adjusts to NFL-level stunts and blitz packages, with clear potential to develop into a reliable starter by year two.
Has a strong wrestling background, which caught the eye of Bengals offensive line coach and former jiu-jitsu world champion Scott Peters during the draft process.
Dylan Fairchild's NFL Draft Profile
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Height | 6052 (6'5.2") |
| Weight | 325 lbs |
| Hand Size | 1000 (10") |
| Arm Length | 3338 (33.375") |
| Wing Span | 8118 (81.125") |
Achievements and Statistics
- All-American offensive lineman
- Defending Class 7A state wrestling champion
- 2021 Georgia signee
- Nation’s No. 5 offensive guard prospect and a top 100 overall recruit (247Sports Composite)
- Compiled a 67-0 career record in high school wrestling
- Two-time Georgia state titles in the Class 7A heavyweight division
- Second-Team All-American (2024)
- Second-Team All-Southeastern Conference (2024)