Spencer Fano Goes No. 1 Among O-Linemen: Browns Make Statement Pick
The Cleveland Browns traded with the Kansas City Chiefs to get to the number nine spot as they drafted Utah Offensive Tackle, Spencer Fano. Fano is the first lineman off the board in the 2026 NFL Draft, and that’s a crazy sight to see, because just as early as early April, Miami Tackle Francis Mauigoa was the first tackle off the board in Mock Drafts, but it ended up being Fano.
I think he is a great option for Cleveland, as he is a great athlete at the tackle spot, especially with a 4.91-second 40-yard dash at the Combine as well as this past Combine. The Browns needed to protect the quarterback, and this is a good start. Let’s dive into picking a bit more.
Fano is a Unicorn
Bucky Brooks, an NFL Network Analyst, called the new Cleveland tackle a unicorn in a segment a while ago because he could be a five-position flexibility at the lineman spot with his athletic ability. I tend to agree with that philosophy because he is a really good athlete. NFL.com had him as a 6.44 prospect grade on their metrics with a 93 athleticism score as well.
The Browns Got A Great Protector for Shedeur or DeShaun
No matter who wins the battle for the QB job between Shedeur Sanders and DeShaun Watson in the summer for the Browns, the former Utah Ute will be starting Day 1, because he will pick everything quickly, as he was one of the best players for the Utah Utes last season. Cleveland needed another offensive lineman to sure that up, and they addressed it WITH THE BEST AND MOST READY OFFENSIVE LINEMAN IN THIS DRAFT.
Cleveland will be a better team in the years to come because of this tackle from Utah, but the fact is, Cleveland is still going to struggle in 2026 because they are the Cleveland Browns.
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