The Bengals could have something brewing with their third-round selection.
The Cincinnati Bengals are gearing up for what should be a major bounce-back season after missing the playoffs back-to-back years.
The Bengals addressed the offensive line issues with two selections in the most recent NFL Draft, including third-round pick Dylan Fairchild.
The former Bulldog has impressed since arriving in Cincinnati and is fighting for a starting position on the offensive line in 2025.
Rob Rang of Fox Sports recently shared his thoughts on Fairchild and compared him to Bengals legend Max Montoya.
“Cincinnati has dedicated a lot of draft picks and money to its skill positions and is now hoping that Fairchild can step right into a starting role as a rookie. He was overshadowed for much of his time at Georgia, and the megawatt star power in Cincinnati guarantees the same will occur with the Bengals, even if he plays well as a rookie. I like his bulk, strength, agility, and mentality and think he’ll prove a longtime starter, perhaps emerging as the best guard for the Bengals since Montoya, the only player at this position ever selected to the Pro Bowl from Cincinnati,” Rang wrote.
Montoya is one of the best offensive linemen to come through the Jungle and helped lead the franchise to two Super Bowl appearances during his reign.
Fairchild clearly has a long way to go before truly having that comparison linked to his game, but it is fun to see what he could be.
The Bengals’ offensive line and, more importantly, Joe Burrow, will need Fairchild to play his absolute best out of the gates to ensure better protection for the franchise quarterback.
