Full Breakdown
Browns Draft Spencer Fano at No. 9 to Anchor Left Tackle
4/25/2026, 9:58:36 AM
Core Event: No. 9 Selection of Utah OT Spencer Fano
On Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Browns traded down from the No. 6 to the No. 9 overall pick with the Kansas City Chiefs and selected Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano, gaining a third-round (74th) and a fifth-round (148th) pick.
Background & Context: O-Line Need and Trade-Down Rationale
Cleveland needed a left tackle after Joe Thomas retired in 2017 and later attempts fell short. The team had already added right tackle Tytus Howard, guard Zion Johnson and center/guard Elgton Jenkins, and GM Andrew Berry called the trade-down a win-win that kept their target.
Data & Statistics: Physical Profile and College Production
Fano, listed at 6-5, started 36 of 37 games at Utah and logged 822 snaps in 2025 with zero sacks and five pressures. He earned the Outland Trophy and Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year, and ranked fourth-best tackle, 19th-overall.
Impact: Immediate and Long-Term Implications
Fano can play both tackle spots and center, giving Cleveland a franchise left tackle and depth. The pick fills the need, fits Monken’s zone-run scheme, and his low pressure rate suggests immediate pass-protection value.
Official Statements & Responses
Monken praised Fano’s character, toughness and athleticism, saying his expectations will exceed his own. Berry expressed excitement about the draft assets and said the team remains open to O-line moves. They said Fano will start at left tackle.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts noted Fano’s short arms and questioned his frame for NFL tackle play. Booger McFarland called him the most versatile lineman in the draft, citing his combine work at center and raising concerns about upper-body strength and pad level.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources list Fano’s height as 6-5 or 6-6. Snap-count reports differ—one cites 822 total snaps, another 382 pass-blocking snaps for five pressures. Both agree on zero sacks.
Verbatim Quotes
- “His character was first, I mean, the way he's wired,” — Todd Monken, Browns head coach
- “But we're really excited about the two players that we got, and we're really excited that, you know, we were able to pick up the extra draft resources while taking a player that we really coveted at nine.” — Andrew Berry, Browns GM
- “I don’t think anybody has the feet and athleticism I do, so I don’t think it makes a difference in my case,” — Spencer Fano
- “I think he’s the most versatile offensive lineman in this draft,” — Booger McFarland, NFL analyst
What’s Next: Draft Continuation and Training Camp
Cleveland retains nine picks after Day 1, including a second-round (39th) and two third-round (70th, 74th) selections. Fano will compete with Dawand Jones for left tackle in training camp, and his versatility adds depth for injury scenarios.
