Rookie offensive linemen rarely get to ease into the league, and Dylan Fairchild has been thrown into the fire from the opening snap.
As the Bengals' third-round pick out of Georgia, he's started at left guard through the first four weeks against four defensive fronts deep with talent: Cleveland, Jacksonville, Minnesota, and Denver -- three of those matchups on the road.
It's early, but rapid returns show a player with clear upside... and equally clear areas to tighten up.
Dylan Fairchild has solid foundation to build on despite rookie growing pains
In pass pro, Fairchild has yet to allow a sack, a notable achievement considering the competition and the constant interior traffic he’s facing.