2026 NFL Draft: Cleveland Browns pick OT Spencer Fano at No. 9

A three-year starter at Utah, Fano played right tackle in former offensive coordinator Jason Beck’s RPO-based spread scheme (also lined up as a jumbo tight end in unbalanced sets). After becoming an immediate starter at left tackle as a true freshman, he moved to his more natural right tackle spot the past two seasons and became just the fifth unanimous All-American in school history (and the first on offense). He also became the first Utah player to win the Outland Trophy and was the second of Polynesian descent to win the honor (Sewell was the first).

An impressive athlete for the position, Fano is quick out of his stance in pass protection and has the bend, balance and sudden hands to neutralize different types of rushers. When Utah needed a yard, it ran behind No. 55 and his efficient footwork and hips — particularly on power-play skip-pulls, where he could fit up defenders and take them for a ride. Though he plays like someone just pissed in his Cheerios, he doesn’t have overwhelming power to manhandle NFL size, and his undeveloped anchor could be an issue early in his career.

Fano has the feet, demeanor and recovery balance of a starting NFL tackle. He also has a knack for losing slowly, despite possessing average length and core strength. He has the talent to be an immediate NFL starter at right tackle or guard.

How Fano fits the Cleveland Browns

Fano is clearly the starter at one of the tackle positions the moment he steps into team headquarters in Berea. The only thing to determine is if he plays the right side – his spot the past two seasons at Utah – or the left side, where he started his freshman season.

React to the Fano pick

What do you think, Browns fans? Let us know in the comments section below, and after both of the Browns’ first-round picks, we’ll also have a separate post up asking you to grade the selections.