The best offensive lines in the NFL stay on top by churning through talent in the draft and landing quality depth pieces in the late rounds. The Kansas City Chiefs selected three offensive linemen last year and should add more trench players through the 2025 NFL draft.
Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Dylan Fairchild will enter the draft with experience at both guard spots. He is a barrel-chested former high school state champion wrestler who thrives grappling with defensive linemen in the trenches. Fairchild gains good width and depth in his pass set. He waits patiently for defensive linemen to enter his range before engaging with powerful extensions and punches.
Fairchild re-anchors against power rushers with his wide base and strong core. His down-to-down consistency suffers from breakdowns in his hand usage and footwork, but he makes highlight reel takedowns in pass protection.
Fairchild looks for work when a defensive lineman doesn’t line up across from him. He swivels to help his center and left tackle by taking rib shots on nose tackles and edge rushers. This aggressiveness translates to the run game. Fairchild works to the defense’s second level and takes smaller defenders for rides on long, forceful blocks.
Fairchild’s lack of arm length and average agility cause some issues in pass protection. Long-limbed defenders gain easy access to his frame, and twitchy rushers weave around his pass set.
Fairchild projects as a fifth or early sixth-round selection on the last day of the draft, but he might go a little earlier because of Georgia’s offensive line pedigree.
After a big win against Texas two weeks ago, the Bulldogs welcome Florida to Athens, Ga. for the first of four remaining home games on their schedule. The game kicks off at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday.
