Georgia’s Dylan Fairchild drafted by Cincinnati Bengals

Three mainstays of the University of Georgia offensive line heard their names called on the second night of the 2025 NFL Draft last month at Lambeau Field.

Offensive lineman Tate Ratledge was selected by the Detroit Lions with the 25th pick (57th overall) of the second round while fellow lineman Dylan Fairchild was later selected with the 17th pick (81st overall) of the third round by the Cincinnati Bengals. Center Jared Wilson rounded out the selections as he was chosen with the 31st pick of the third round (95th overall) by the New England Patriots.

With the selections, Georgia has now had an offensive lineman picked in the first three rounds in five of the last six years. Friday also marked the first time in program history in which three offensive linemen were chosen in the first three rounds.

The six total Bulldogs selected in the first three rounds tied the 2021 and 2024 drafts for second-most in program history – the record remains nine selected in 2022. Head coach Kirby Smart has now produced 69 NFL Draft picks during his first nine seasons at the helm of the Georgia program, including 16 offensive linemen.

In four seasons together on the line, Ratledge, Fairchild and Wilson helped lead Georgia to a 53-5 record, earning two Southeastern Conference championships (2022, 2024) and consecutive College Football Playoff championships (2021, 2022). The Georgia offense averaged 31.5 points per game in 2024, with the line allowing only 25 sacks and paving the way for 1,742 rushing yards.

Fairchild appeared in 44 games with 29 starts over four seasons, playing at left guard in most of his appearances. The Cumming native was named to the AP All-America Second Team and All-SEC Second Team. He marks the 16th Georgia product selected by the Bengals, who have chosen a Georgia offensive lineman in three of the past five drafts (Amarius Mims – 2024, Trey Hill – 2021).