Offensive line play has been the Achilles’ heel of the Cincinnati Bengals in the Zac Taylor era. From the unmitigated disaster that was Jim Turner to the flame out of Frank Pollack, Taylor has whiffed on his offensive line coach hires. Now, heading into a crucial season that could decide his future in the NFL, Taylor brought in Scott Peters.
Peters is a bit different when it comes to coaching the offensive line. He has a background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and his “strike system” is an interesting blend of martial arts and basic offensive line fundamentals like hand technique, leverage, body control, posture, and balance. He prioritizes character and intelligence for his offensive linemen and coaches players up to have all kinds of techniques to allow for his players to play on instinct.
One of the new Bengals looks like he’s already embracing the change en route to protecting Joe Burrow for the next four-plus seasons.
Bengals Second-Round Pick Seen Training With Former UFC Champion
After using a first-round pick on Shemar Stewart, the Bengals picked Dylan Fairchild from Georgia with the 49th overall pick. Fortifying the offensive line and improving upon the league’s worst guard combo was paramount (as was improving the defense, of course). Despite the fact that there were plenty of upgrades out there in free agency, the Bengals stood pat and bet on the draft. As a result, Fairchild and Jalen Rivers were selected.
Peters and Fairchild clicked early on at Georgia’s Pro Day. What some don’t know is that Fairchild was a two-time undefeated high school wrestling champion and brought that skill with him to Georgia. His background gives him a unique ability to gel with Peters’ teaching, and he should be expected to be an immediate contributor at left guard as a rookie.
With Training Camp in the coming weeks, Fairchild is off training. Or, better yet, sparring. This week, the Bengals’ rookie spent some time with former UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland. Recently, a video surfaced of the two, and the six-foot-five, 318-pound guard did more than just hold his own.
Cincinnati Bengals guard Dylan Fairchild training with Sean Strickland pic.twitter.com/WrL5ffFW7I
— Otto rocket (@Jon3sy937) June 28, 2025
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It only makes sense that Fairchild would be sparring with Strickland. The former UFC champion has competed in the middleweight division, where he held the title from September 10, 2023, until his loss on January 10, 2024. He’s known for his aggressive fighting style and is proficient in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, just like Peters. He may be considered a tad polarizing, and sparring with an NFL lineman isn’t going to quell that controversy.
As for Fairchild, state champion wrestler or not, holding his own (and arguably winning the rep) is impressive. He’s currently expected to slot in for Cordel Volson at left guard with a couple of journeymen veterans battling it out for right guard. While the right guard situation is not ideal, any offensive line with Lucas Patrick or Cody Ford intentionally starting is bordering on malpractice.
Main Image: Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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