Full Breakdown
Browns Draft Utah Tackle Spencer Fano Ninth Overall
4/25/2026, 1:48:04 PM
Draft Selection and Trade-Down
Cleveland used the 9th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to select Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano. The team moved down from the 6th spot to Kansas City, gaining a third-round (No. 74) and a fifth-round (No. 141) pick while retaining its top tackle target.
College Background and Performance Metrics
Fano, a 6-foot-6, 311-pound lineman, started 35 of 37 games at Utah, earned unanimous All-American honors, won the Outland Trophy, and was a First-team AP All-American in 2025. At the combine he ran a 4.91-second 40-yard dash and posted a relative athletic score (RAS) of 9.80, the fifth-highest for a Browns first-round pick since 2000. In his final college season he logged 822 snaps, allowed zero sacks, zero quarterback hits, and only five pressures (0.6 % of plays), with 382 pass-blocking snaps.
Strategic Fit and Team Needs
Cleveland entered the draft needing a dependable left tackle after Joe Thomas’s retirement and inconsistent play from Dawand Jones. Recent free-agency moves added Tytus Howard, Zion Johnson, and Elgton Jenkins, creating a versatile line. Fano’s experience at both tackle positions and a brief center workout at the combine give the Browns flexibility to address the left-tackle vacancy and provide interior depth.
Official Statements
General manager Andrew Berry expressed enthusiasm, noting Fano’s athleticism and versatility. Head coach Todd Monken said the team expects Fano to compete for the starting left-tackle role and highlighted his potential to play guard or center if needed. Both officials indicated that Fano will be integrated into the offensive line during training camp.
Criticism Over Arm Length
Analysts pointed to Fano’s 32 1/8-inch arm length as shorter than the league average for tackles, raising questions about his ability to handle elite edge rushers. The Browns countered that his footwork and athleticism offset the measurement, and Fano himself asserted that his speed and technique make the difference.
Verbatim Quotes
- “One of my first thoughts was ‘I don’t have to play Myles Garrett on Sundays,’” — Spencer Fano, Rookie Offensive Tackle
- “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
- “We’re really excited about Spencer, his potential at left tackle. He’s super athletic, very versatile, elite makeup,” — Andrew Berry, General Manager, Cleveland Browns
What’s Next
Fano will report to Browns headquarters in Berea for rookie minicamp, compete for the starting left-tackle job against Dawand Jones, and could serve as a swing tackle or interior lineman as injuries arise. The team’s next selection is No. 24, where it may add a receiver to complement the revamped offensive line.